Brownwood Police Department reports that a potentially dangerous financial scam is hitting the area with individuals and businesses as their victims. Brownwood Police Department did not release victim business names to protect their privacy, but want to get the message out to the public and other businesses so that others do not fall victim to this current scam.
According to Assistant Chief James Fuller, local businesses especially need to be aware of this telephone scam. Fuller reports that the victim businesses will get a phone call from someone claiming to be a representative of their electric company. The caller claims the business has an overdue bill and that the disconnection will occur within an hour or 2 if not paid. The business is then asked to go to a CVS or similar place and purchase “Green Dot Money Pak” cards. After that purchase, the business then calls the ‘rep’ and gives them the security card number on the back of the card. The money is then withdrawn from the card and the rep will not be heard from again.
The first business reported that the rep stated they were from Ambit Energy while another business was called by someone stating they were a rep from Oncor Disconnect Service.
Fuller warns that the scam moves very fast pace and takes advantage of business owners during busy hours when they are most fearful of loss of business if their power was cut off.
“One report was from a Laundromat with a lot of customers in it at the time. They really feared the impact of no electricity,” said Fuller in an email. “The ‘green dot’ cards are commonly used as an alternative to your debit card. Traditionally you can use them on sites like PayPal and not have to worry about your bank account getting hacked.”Fuller offered the following as advice to help others from becoming a victim of the scam.
“Everyone should exercise caution when receiving phone calls about bills. For the most part, everyone is aware of pending accounts and their outstanding debt. Legitimate businesses will answer any questions you may have. Before you make a payment, check your statements and question the bill,” said Fuller. “Normal business practices for services such as this send late notices and other information by means that you would be familiar with (mail/email). Guard your credit/debit card information and don’t stray from your normal business practices.”
Fuller hopes that the public will share this information and prevent the scam from gathering anymore victims in our area.
