Beware utility phone scam

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Tari Mason, owner of the Perry Perk coffeehouse in Perry, has sweetness in store for 2016 Chocolate Walk customers Saturday.outfoxed the phone scammers Friday afternoon.

Tari Mason, owner of the Perry Perk coffeehouse, said a caller claiming to be from Alliant Energy told her this afternoon that her electricity would be cut off in 20 minutes unless she called a certain number and paid her outstanding bill.

Mason said she called the number and was asked for her credit card information. She said she also Googled the phone number and learned it is connected with a known phone scam that seeks to bilk victims of their money.

Mason did not give the scammers her information but instead called the Perry Police Department and reported the crime.

“I want everybody to be aware that these criminals are out there calling people,” Mason said. “I can easily imagine them calling my grandmother and her giving them her credit card number.”

The Perry Police Department is investigating the incident. Perry residents commonly receive fraudulent phone solicitations and should never give personal or financial information over the phone.

Tari Mason, owner of the Perry Perk coffeehouse in Perry, outfoxed the phone scammers Friday afternoon.
Tari Mason, owner of the Perry Perk coffeehouse in Perry, outfoxed the phone scammers Friday afternoon.

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