Gift cards are usually a good thing.
Unless, that is, you're thinking about paying your energy bill with them.
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is concerned after getting three reports Monday from people who said they were targeted by phone scammers.
Commander Mark Evans says all the reports had two things in common. The first was that the scammers were pretending to be with Beaches Energy.
"They instruct the customers to go and purchase cash gift cards and then call [back] and take the payment over the phone," Evans added.
The fact those people are asking for gift cards and that the calls are unsolicited are both big tells it's a scam, according to Evans.
"The electric department within our city are not gonna make a random phone call," Evans noted. "Especially if you believe your bill to be paid in full."
None of the 3 who called on Monday fell prey to the scam, but Evans says locals have been taken for big money in the past, especially because the scammers sound "legit" and are using high-pressure tactics on their targets.
If the person you're talking to asks for payment with a pre-paid card, Evans suggests hanging up and call your local police or call your local utility to verify that person works there.
Beaches Energy customers who get a call like this can report it to the utility at 904-247-6171.
0
Listen
news
weather
traffic