The Pella Police Department warns local residents of an ongoing nationwide telephone-based scam targeting citizens within the Pella community.

Over the last week, the Pella Police Department has received multiple reports of attempted and several successful scams utilizing unpaid utility bills. The scammers call residents claiming to be with area utilities, such as Alliant Energy, and instruct the residents to go to local stores to purchase Green Dot cards or other prepaid cards to pay the outstanding bill, which is not normal business practice.

In addition, as tax refund time continues, they ask everyone to be aware they are anticipating an increase in the scam targeting back owed taxes. The Pella Police Department reminds residents in all business transactions, calls, and debt collections that are not self-initiated, it is recommended that citizens verify the company, check the legitimacy of the claim, and then re-initiate the call to the company’s publicly listed contact number.

Additionally, no matter how insistent the caller is, always investigate the circumstances the caller introduces prior to making any payments or sharing personal information. If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, you have given out bank or personal information, or your personal information has been accessed contact your local law enforcement agency, the financial institution attached to the accessed information, or make a report on www.ic3.gov (a victim geared reporting webpage). For additional information on fraud please refer to www.ic3.gov and www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com.