Full Notification

The Cleona Borough Police Department would like to warn residents about a phone scam that had been reported to the police. The scam involves a collection company calling and telling the victim that they owe several hundred to several thousands dollars in unpaid gas and electric bills for property in another state. The collections company tells the caller that they are calling on behalf of the gas and electric company. In this case the victim knows that they do not own this property and denies owing any money. Had the victim fallen for this scam the company would attempt to verify your personal information which may have obtained through other fraudulent practices or just made up. If the information is incorrect the victim inadvertently gives the caller their correct information.

Always take the time to check and see if this is a legitimate call or collections company before you take any steps to give out your information or make any payments. With your date of birth and social security number criminals can steal your identity and would be able to get loans, credit cards and charge exorbitant amounts of money to your name and you may not find out until it is too late.

Never give out you date of birth or social security number to a business or entity that you do not trust or have dealt with in the past. If you suspect your information has been compromised or you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department and visit http://www.ftc.gov/ for more information and instructions on how to protect and clear up your identity.