PITTSBURGH — Police in Ross Township are warning the public of a Duquesne Light collections scam.
FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
- PHOTOS: Past and present Pittsburgh Pirates players
- Gun accidentally fires during Easter Vigil Mass in Altoona
- Dog finally adopted after 5 years when picture goes viral
- Dunkin' Donuts cheesecake? Chain introduces cream-filled squares
The Ross Township Police Department reports receiving a number of recent complaints about the scam, in which a caller represents themself as a bill collector from Duquesne Light and demands payment for an overdue bill.
"They're simply trying to get credit card info or checking info," said Detective Brian Kohlhepp.
Helena Erdeljack told Channel 11's Jennifer Tomazic that the business her parents own, Mediterrano restaurant, got a similar call claiming there was an outstanding balance and that power would be shut off.
"He said you have to go and buy a money card and make payments that way," said Erdeljack.
She knew something wasn't right and didn't follow the caller's instructions, even though she said some parts of the conversation seemed legitimate.
Police said the elderly are the primary targets of the scammers.
"If they have oxygen tanks or other medical devices that rely on power, then this is a much scarier prospect for them," said Kohlhepp.
Anyone who receives one of the calls is urged to hang up immediately. Police remind Duquesne Light customers that even if a payment is due or late, payments can be made online or by calling the company's payment numbers.
WPXI
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
