We all need to be informed and aware of fraudulent criminal methods that threaten to make us victims. Local police departments have received many complaints over the last two weeks from citizens and local businesses pertaining to a phone scam. The scam works like this:

1. Caller identifies themselves as a representative of Atlantic City Electric.
2. Caller tells the victim that they are behind on their bill and payment is needed within 24 hours or their power will be shut off.
3. The victim is instructed to go to Rite Aid or CVS and purchase a “Money Pak” and is provided a return number to call back.
4. Once the Money Pak is purchased, the victim is asked to call back and read the number off the Money Pak and the scam is completed.

It is very important to know that on some of these calls the in-coming number on the caller ID is showing up as Atlantic City Electric. The Electric Company does not request payment in this way. The perpetrators are preying on the victim’s fear that their utility service will be shut off during the recent inclement weather. Before you send any money over the phone, you should always call the appropriate number listed for your utility company or contact the police to report the suspicious incident.

If you have been a victim of this type of scam or have information about the incident please contact your local police department.