Police Warn of Phone Call Scam in El Paso Area Date/Time: November 2013 April – May 2013 Location: Various EL PASO, TEXAS – The El Paso Police Department received information from concerned citizens regarding a national telephone scam impacting the local area. This particular scam involves victims being called by individuals identifying themselves as El Paso Electric representatives. The scammer then relays information about the need for an upgrade to existing electric service or that electric service is subject to disconnection and requires an immediate payment. According to El Paso Electric’s Vice President of Customer Care, Kerry Lore, “El Paso Electric never contacts customers over the phone demanding an immediate payment.” Police advise citizens to be extra vigilant when receiving unsolicited phone calls when the caller requests an up-front processing/advance fee or payment via a prepaid debit card. The El Paso Police Department urges citizens to be weary of divulging personal information, including your name, address, bank account and/or credit card information to strangers over the phone. Citizens are also advised that due to advances in Internet technology incoming phone calls may appear to be from within the United States or a specific company when they originate in a foreign country or other source. If you believe a call may not be legitimate do not complete the requested transaction and contact El Paso Electric directly at (915) 543-5970 or (575) 526-5555 to verify the information provided by the caller. The Police Department urges citizens to report suspicious behavior so scams can be proactively stopped before citizens are victimized. Call the El Paso Police Department at (915) 832-4436 or (915) 564-7130. This same type of scam occurred in the El Paso area in April and May of 2013 and has resurfaced in November 2013 in the El Paso area.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 04:04:50 +0000