DEFUNIAK SPRINGS POLICE WARN OF POWER/UTILITY SCAM

Matt Boster

Viewed: 1809

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jun 16 2015 1:09 PM

Citizens and Business Owners beware! Scammers are actively calling to swindle you out of your money. DeFuniak Springs Police have received complaints of phone calls being received from someone advising their utility bill is past due either for a power company or the City of DeFuniak Springs. Payment is demanded immediately under the threat that service will be disconnected immediately. Chief Mark Weeks would like to make everyone aware so that they don’t become a victim.

According to Assistant City Manager Tilman Mears, the City of DeFuniak Springs does not call demanding payment over the phone. If natural gas or water service charges are past due, the monthly bill will reflect a cut-off date that is effective if payment is not received. Still, customers can call the City to verify their service at 850-892-8503.

According to a recent release on Gulf Power’s facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GulfPowerCompany): “In a new scam, area customers have received calls from a person claiming to represent Gulf Power who threatens to disconnect service unless the customer pays $800 for a new meter. Gulf Power continues to work with law enforcement in reporting these incidents. Please remember that Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers. Customers should call Gulf Power at 1-800-225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.”

If you receive a call demanding payment from your service provider, do not give any payment information over the phone. Ask for a call back number and verify that this is the official number. Finally, if you suspect a scam, contact the DeFuniak Springs Police at 892-8511.

<- back