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FARM WATCH: SPECIAL ALERT
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 15th, 2013
Greetings Farm Watch Readers, I was asked by Commander Tim Hagel to share this information with you reference a telephone scam: Utility Customers Being Targeted by Phone Scam The Sheriff’s Office is investigating several cases involving Southern California Edison customers who have been the targets of a telephone bill payment scam. The suspects have been calling SCE customers telling them they must make immediate payment on past due bills or have their electric service disconnected. The callers are also demanding that payment be made through a prepaid cash card, such as a PayPal or Green Dot card. SCE officials have confirmed there have been similar reports from customers throughout Southern California, and they are working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify the suspects. The primary targets have been minority-owned small businesses. “We ask our customers to be alert to these calls that demand immediate payment and threaten service disconnection,” said Henry Martinez, SCE vice president of Safety, Security & Compliance. “Customers suspecting a fraudulent call should ask for the caller’s name, department and business phone number. If the caller refuses to provide this information, customers should terminate the call and report the incident immediately to local police or SCE at 800-655-4555.” SCE also reminds customers to ask for identification when a stranger comes to the door or calls claiming to be a utility worker. SCE utility workers will provide verification, including their department and phone number, when asked. In most cases, home visits by SCE are scheduled by the customer and SCE will confirm the appointment in writing. If there are any concerns, SCE and law enforcement officials suggest having the utility worker wait outside until their identity can be verified. SCE customers should also follow these guidelines: Be suspicious of anyone who arrives at your house without an appointment asking to check an appliance, wiring, or suggesting that there may be some other electrical problem inside your residence. For more ways customers can stay safe, please see www.sce.com/safety and read the safety tips section. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: Utility Customers Being Targeted by Phone Scam The following advice is always wise if you suspect illegal activity on your property: • Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911. • Be a good witness • Note suspect descriptions such as age, height, weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type. • If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc. • Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel. If you are not sure of how to address the problem or would like additional crime prevention tips please contact your local Sheriff’s Office substation or me directly at (805) 384-4726 or by email at ray.dominguez@ventura.org. As always, we would like to thank Sheriff’s Crime Analyst Karen Brown for this issue’s great crime and alert update. Be alert and stay safe! Geoff Dean - Sheriff |
