ST. GEORGE — Earlier this year, Mesquite residents were cautioned about a phone scam that was circulating from callers that claimed to represent Overton Power, the city’s electric power supplier. The scammers were demanding immediate payment from non-existent “past due” bills.
According to a press release from the Mesquite Police Department, several residents have notified police that the scam is active again.
These residents say they have been called by intimidating people claiming to be from Overton Power. The caller is extremely forceful and tells the resident that an immediate credit card payment must be made to avoid disconnection of electric service.
Police recommend that the caller be told that the resident will contact Overton Power themselves and arrange for the payment, but use the phone number provided on the electric bill and not the number the scammer provides.
The press release goes on to say that residents should always keep their credit card, checking account and Social Security number private. Don’t ever give your personal or financial information to a caller you don’t know, even if they ask you to “confirm” the information.
Mesquite police say there is no need to contact them regarding the scam unless you have lost money to the scammers. However, it is unfortunate that if this occurs, it is unlikely any recovery of funds can be made.
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