Ohio attorney general warns businesses of utility scams reported by restaurants

10/12/2013

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s attorney general warns businesses to be alert to utility scams in which callers have threatened to shut off power unless the business provides immediate payment.

Attorney General Mike DeWine says at least four restaurants have filed reports of the scam since July and other businesses likely have been affected. Two restaurants lost approximately $500 to $800 to the scam.

DeWine says a caller in a typical scam claims to represent a local utility company and says the business is late on its payments. The caller threatens to turn off the power unless the business makes an immediate payment via a prepaid money card.

Restaurants in Cleveland, Columbus, and Fairfield County have reported scams.

DeWine warns businesses suspecting a scam to hang up and call their utility company.