LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A deceptive phone scam is now targeting businesses and scammer poses as someone from NV Energy.
Inspirado Apartment Homes almost believed it was NV Energy because the name NV Energy showed up on the caller id.
Last week, the man on the phone told one of the property managers, someone was on the way to shut off the power and the only way to stop it was if they paid $750.
Adam Derksen, the property director at Inspirado Apartment Homes was so shocked scammers tried to make a fool out of him and his coworker.
Fortunately, Derksen and his fellow coworker, who recorded the scam phone call, knew it was a lie.
"The fact that it was $700 I mean we're in a 252 complex. Our bills aren't $750 bucks a month," said Derksen.
He admits the scammers made them second guess since he made it sound urgent.
Derksen called NV Energy to make sure.
"No, there's no past due accounts or anything like that."
He said NV Energy told him his accounts were up to date. NV Energy also told him they were aware of the scam.
Michelle Follatte with NV Energy told 13 Action News they never call customers.
"We'll never call you, or show up to your place of business, or your residence and demand payment," said Follatte.
NV Energy said if you are really behind on your power bill, NV Energy will always contact you twice by us mail.
"You get a 10 day notice and a 48 hour notice," said Follatte.
As for Derksen, he recommends people to always double check who called especially if it's a utility company.
13 Action News asked NV Energy if door hangers left on people's homes had anything to do with them, they said no. It is from a solar contractor.
Nv Energy said they will never show up to your house unscheduled, will never demand payments or threaten disconnection, and never require you to pay with a prepaid debt card.
So what should you do if you get a call? Hang up!
