An apparent scammer has been targeting Rockville Centre business owners and residents by claiming to be from the electric department and warning that their power will be turned off unless they pay up in cash, the village said.
Over the last few days, multiple restaurant owners have reported that they have received telephone calls from a person claiming to be from the Rockville Centre Electric Department, according to the village. The caller tells the restaurant owners that they will shut off their electric unless they pay their outstanding bills immediately in cash. The caller then attempts to arrange a meeting for the cash payment.
The village stressed that this caller does not work for the village’s electric department and is engaged in an attempt to defraud business owners and residents.
"The village wants all commercial and residential customers of the electric department to be aware of this ongoing scam and to immediately alert the Rockville Centre Police Department at 678-9387 if contacted by someone threatening to shut off electric service unless cash payments are issued," says a press release. "Under no circumstances should you arrange to pay cash to anyone threatening to shut off your electric. If you have any questions, please call the Village’s Electric Billing Unit at 678-9323."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
