Energy Scam Targets Strongsville Residents

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Several Strongsville residents have recently been targeted by scammers, the police department announced.

Con artists are calling Strongsville residents and pretending to be from the power company. The caller says power will be shut off to a home unless "money that is owed" is paid in 30 minutes or less.

Strongsville police unequivocally stated that these calls are scams.

"If you receive a similar call, hang up, and do not give them any of your information. If you are concerned with your payment status with the power company, call them yourself to inquire," police said on social media.

FirstEnergy said any customers who are behind on payments will first receive a written warning letter. Staffers will never call customers and demand same-day payment to avoid a power shutoff, FirstEnergy said.

Customers will also never be asked for their social security number or other sensitive information over the phone. Anyone saying they are from a power company, but need your information over the phone, is a scammer.

"Scammers often use Caller ID spoofing software to misrepresent the source of a phone call to further mislead and confuse their targets. Call-back numbers provided by these criminals often use greetings and hold messages that mimic legitimate businesses. If you have any doubts about the status of your electric service, call your utility company using the customer service phone number on our website to ask about your account," FirstEnergy said.

FirstEnergy has a list of common frauds and scams which target customers on the company website.