LAS VEGAS (KNTV) — Threats to turn off your power and your AC If you don't pay up!
It's a new twist on an old scam, with some very persistent callers on the other end of your phone. 13 Action News is exposing what happens if you call these people back.
RELATED: Las Vegas police warn residents of telephone scam
It started with a phone call that sent some ripples though financial analyst Steve Budin's office.
Someone claiming to be the power company said they owed money immediately -- or else.
"My assistant was surprised because she knows I pay my bills. So when she got the phone call, she was surprised that the power was going to be turned off," said Budin.
The callers left a number: 1-800-719-1650.
Most people might ignore it. Budin called the number back.
RELATED: Nevada DMV warns residents about ongoing email scam
The voice prompt at the other end of the line said, "Welcome to NV Energy." It sounded legitimate.
Budin provided a nonexistent address to the scammers.
Scammer: "A technician will be there shortly. Are you going to be there at your location?"
Budin: "I am."
Scammer: "So you have to come down to the office to process the payment on this account to avoid disconnection today."
13 Action News went to the address where scammers tell people to go to pay up: 2215 E Lone Mountain Road.
It's a real address. It's actually a legitimate business.
In fact, it's NV Energy's operation center but it's only for employees. The company does not accept payments at that location.
Rhonda Mettler of the Better Business Bureau says scammers are always after your personal information and money.
RELATED: Online scam luring victims with free money
But this time she says, "These individuals are wanting the consumers to leave their homes for whatever reason. Consumers need to be wary of that... Definitely let NV Energy know."
NV Energy is aware of the scam and is looking into it. The company is also reminding customers with past-due bills how things work.
Gary Guzman of NV Energy says, "We would never call about immediate disconnection."
For past due bills, you will get a 10 day and a 48 hour notice in the mail.
"We will never ask you to provide a prepaid debit card, bitcoin, or any other nonstandard form of payments. We also never collect payments in the field."
Payments are only accepted through NV Energy's website or at an authorized location.
To report a scam, contact NV Energy.
