Phone Scams Seeking Utility Payments Rise In Vermont

WILLISTON, Vt. (AP) — Vermont's attorney general and power companies are warning residents about phone scammers seeking utility payments and how to avoid being duped.

They say the scammers pretending to be utilities call homes and businesses demanding payment for electricity with a credit card, prepaid card or money order. Utilities say these types of scams are on the rise in Vermont.

In response, Attorney General T.J. Donovan has launched a "Scam Buster" campaign to remind residents to stop, ask and confirm before making any payment to avoid being scammed.

Donovan says if Vermonters are unsure about who is on the phone asking for a payment, they should not make the payment and call the attorney general's office or a local utility.