Telephone Scam Targets Local Businesses

The Redlands Police Department is warning local businesses of a scam after three businesses reported being contacted by a caller fraudulently claiming to represent a utility company and attempting to collect money over the phone to avoid shutting off power to the business. On Tuesday, February 11, police received reports from three separate businesses saying they had received calls from a man claiming to represent “PGE” or “Newcastle Edison Company.” The caller claimed the businesses owed between $500 and nearly $1,500 on past due electricity bills and said the power would be shut off if the businesses didn’t pay immediately using a credit card or checking account number. None of the businesses paid. Neither PGE nor Newcastle Edison are utility companies operating in Southern California. Residents and business owners are reminded not to provide financial information such as credit card numbers or check routing numbers over the telephone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity. If you are contacted by a utility company regarding a bill, ask for a callback number. Verify the number and call your utility company directly. Report any suspicious phone calls or activities to the Redlands Police Department. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681.