Hellertown Police issued a warning to area residents Monday about a phone scam they say is being perpetrated by callers who are impersonating PPL representatives.
In a news release, police said the scammers utilize “spoofing” software that generates fake phone numbers which appear on victims’ Caller ID screens.
“It appears as though PPL is calling to collect an overdue balance,” police said.
“The caller then attempts to obtain an over-the-phone payment,” they continued, “and threatens to have the recipient’s power shut off in a short time unless payment is immediately received.”
Police added that the power company has recently received reports of similar incidents.
Anyone who receives a telephone call of this nature is advised by police to hang up and call PPL to report it at 1-800-DIAL-PPL.