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Officials In Ocean County Warn Residents About Phone Scam

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ (CBS) – Officials in Ocean County, NJ are warning residents about a new phone scam.

Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato says that over the past week, there have been several reports of fraudulent phone calls made to local residents and businesses from a bogus electric utility company demanding payment for electrical utility work.

In the calls, the unidentified caller states he/she is from the electric company, and then insists they need to replace the electrical meter on the property. The caller will then tell the target that a money gram, money order or prepaid card must be sent to them immediately in an amount ranging from $250-500.

The caller also tells the resident that if they don't comply, their electricity will be shut off.

Officials urge residents to verify the validity of a caller by calling the number on their electrical bill.

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