Town and Country Newspaper

News Article

Upper Perk Police Warn Area Businesses of Scam

Written by Kelly Chandler, Staff Writer
2013-12-31

Upper Perk Police are warning area businesses to be aware they may be targeted as part of a utilities scam.

Authorities said Tuesday individuals are posing as PPL Utilities employees and contacting local businesses, stating they have an unpaid bill or bills. If the business doesn’t pay the individual

over the phone by either providing bank account information or a prepaid debit card number and pin, the individual says electric service will be shut off at the location.

Police said five local businesses have been contacted by the perpetrators and two of those businesses paid before learning of the fraud. The thefts amounted to $1,000 for one business and

$2,800 for another, authorities reported.

The phone calls began in October and a company was contacted as recently as Monday. Police said they are investigating the scam, which may be part of an overseas operation.

Anyone who has been contacted by an individual claiming to be from PPL under similar circumstances is asked to call Upper Perk Police at (215)679-8203.

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