A telephone scam which began with area AEP/Southwestern Electric Power Co. customers has expanded to Hope Water and Light customers, according to Hope Water and Light General Manager Jim Kirchhoff.
“We had an Hispanic gentleman who got a phone call and went through the process of purchasing a money card,” Kirchhoff said. “This transaction involved several hundred dollars and we advised him to go to the Hope Police Department. Whether he did or not, we don't know.”
Besides the Hispanic man who went through with buying a money card and sending it off, two or three customers called the Hope Water and Light office to inquire about getting a money card to pay their bill.
They were also referred to the Hope Police Department.
“We at Hope Water and Light never call our customers on the phone,” Kirchhoff said. “We always mail letters in reference to accounts.”
The scam involves a telephone call in which the caller claims to represent Hope Water and Light. The customer is told that a certain amount of money must be paid immediately or electric service will be shut off. The scammer usually suggests that the customer purchase a prepaid money card and then provides instructions for using that card to pay the amount supposedly due on the account.
The scam is a version of a similar fraud being carried out against Hispanic customers of SWEPCO. According to Peter Main, SWEPCO corporate spokesman, if customers receive such calls, “they should call SWEPCO at the number that is printed on their bill.”
Main said the company does not suggest customers purchase a money card as a means of paying their electric bill.
The Hope Police Department reported Friday that it has not received any formal complaints regarding such scams.
Utility scam reaches HWL customers - Gurdon, AR - Gurdon Times - Gurdon, AR
