We need to warn Cherokee County residents that another scam is making the rounds in the area. 

Someone is calling and threatening to turn the homeowner’s power off today unless they’re paid immediately; the scammer tells the person on the line that they’re with the local utility company and due to an outstanding bill, their power will be turned off unless that issue can be resolved RIGHT NOW.  TODAY. 

They then ask for a credit card or debit card number – bank account info – they may have a victim go purchase a Green Dot card at a local department store then give them the account number for payment.

Don’t do it.  Don’t do it.  Don’t do it.  It’s a SCAM.

We all know by now that your local provider is not involved with these calls in any way and furthermore, they simply don’t do business that way; they never threaten anyone regarding their payment, although they may call to inform a customer, when that person is delinquent in paying their bill.

If you are ever in doubt regarding a bill, don’t trust anyone calling you demanding money in such a manner.

Don’t ask questions.  Don’t tell them anything.  Don’t engage them in conversation.  Don’t be intimidated.

Hang up and call the company yourself.  The correct number is on your most recent bill.

That way, you KNOW you’re speaking with the right person.

Remember, hanging up on someone trying to steal from you isn’t rude, it’s just smart.

And, anyway – they deserve it.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver informed WEIS Radio Wednesday morning that he has received reports of these recent scam attempts, calling them “Some of the most horrendous acts possible undertaken by this class of criminals; these people specifically target the most vulnerable members of our society, the elderly, and they attempt to steal whatever they can from those who can least afford it.”

Sheriff Shaver urges everyone to spread the word about this, and any other scam attempt – especially those attempting to take advantage of the older members of our community.