A Derry Township man was tricked by a scam Monday after receiving a call from someone who claimed he was delinquent on his electric bill, according to state police.
Troopers said the caller claimed to be representing Direct Energy and said the resident’s power would be shut off if a payment wasn’t made immediately. An email was sent with two temporary bar codes and police said the resident was instructed to go to a Dollar General to make payments.
The scammer received $981, police said.
Troopers reminded consumers that legitimate utility companies will not ask for payment in that manner. The Federal Trade Commission agreed, saying that utility companies will not threaten to cut service if payment isn’t made immediately. Only a scammer will ask for payment in an unorthodox way, such as by gift card or wire transfer.
