SHERIFF WARNS ABOUT NEW LOCAL PHONE SCAM

The Sheriff’s Department warns Morongo Basin residents and businesses about a new telephone scam. Two businesses recently received phone calls from an 800 number with a caller ID that read Edison Power Company. The caller told the victims that their power bill was overdue and they needed to pay their bill immediately over the phone, either by credit card or with a MoneyPak card. One victim realized it was a scam and didn’t pay; another victim paid more than $800. The Sheriff’s Department warns residents that legitimate businesses will never call customers and demand a payment be made over the telephone. A spokeswoman with Southern California Edison advises residents to get the caller’s name and phone number, before hanging up and then looking up the telephone number online or in the phone book. Then call the company to verify if you have an overdue bill. If you’ve received a call like this, call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.