'Overdue utilities' demanded in scam, police say


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PROVO — False representatives have been demanding payment on "overdue" utility bills as part of a scam, Provo Police said.

At least four people called the Provo Police Department Wednesday saying they had been contacted by an individual claiming they were from Provo City customer services. The victims were told they needed to go to a 7-Eleven and send in payment for an overdue utility bill through Western Union, according to police.

The fake operators told those they called that a field technician was on the way to disconnect their services, police said.

Provo police said people should always be careful of new scams, tricks and ‘urgent demands' for payment and to not be afraid to ask questions or call the company back for more information.

"Provo City customer service operators will always verify personal information for both incoming and outgoing calls and will not ask for payment through Western Union or any location other than Provo City," the Provo Police Department said in a news release.

These types of scams are not unheard of, police said.

"We're not alone; this happens statewide," said Lt. Matthew Siufanua of the Provo Police Department. "Luckily these individuals caught it and were able to call us and verify the information with them and they weren't scammed."

Individuals who believe they have been a victim of this scam can contact the Provo Police Department.

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