Elsmere Police are reporting a recurring phone scam involving payment of electric bills.
Police report residents and businesses have been targeted. It has been determined that calls are being made to homeowners and businesses in the area where people are posing as Delmarva employees.
The individuals are aware of names and addresses of their targets. The individuals claim a bill is past due and that workers will shut off the power. In the past, immigrant owners or staff of businesses are often targeted.
The individuals then proceed to explain that the person needs to go to a local Walgreen’s, CVS, etc. and purchase gift cards. The individuals explain that once the cards are purchased to call them back and give the account numbers over the phone to pay the bill.
Gift cards, unlike credit cards, cannot be traced, once the number has been disclosed.
The phone number being used is 302-782-9757.
Other scams include being contacted by the IRS to collect past due money or being contacted by the police to collect bail money for a friend or loved one.
The department noted that the utility, the IRS or police will not make such phone calls, but instead use letters or other communications.
