VERO BEACH —The Vero Beach Police Department is warning residents of a new phone scam – callers represent themselves as being with the Vero Beach Utilities Department and seek “past due” payments.
On Nov. 19, a local business reported that it received a telephone call from a person claiming to be a representative of the City of Vero Beach Utilities Department, according to the Vero Beach Police Department.
The caller advised the business owner that his or her utility bill was “past due” and that the utilities would be shut off if immediate payment was not made. The business owner complied with the caller’s request by placing the requested “past due” amount on several pre-paid debit cards. After checking business records, the business owner found that he or she was not delinquent on the utility bill, but was the victim of fraud.
On Nov. 20, a business in the unincorporated area of Vero Beach reported that it received telephone calls from two different subjects claiming to be representatives of “FPL” and the City of Vero Beach Utilities. The unknown caller stated that the business’s utility account was “past due” and requested payment. The business owner suspected fraud and contacted law enforcement.
The City of Vero Beach Utilities Department does not collect payments by telephone.
Utility customers with questions regarding the legitimacy of their utility bill are instructed to contact the Utilities Department at 978-5100 or to visit their business office at 1036 20th Street.
