The City of Manassas has released an alert related to a new payment scam being used on residents in the area.
“In this scam, the caller tells the resident or business that he/she is with the City of Manassas Power Company disconnect team and that they will cut off the person’s power if the resident does not buy a pre-paid gift card and call them back with the number on the card,” said Patty Prince, Communications Manager for the city, in a release.
Many of the scam calls took place during the winter we’ve had during the past few weeks – a time when many residents are vulnerable.
“We think it is unconscionable that people would try to take advantage of our residents in the midst of a snow storm, much less at any other time,” said City Manager W. Patrick Pate.
Prince stated that the utilities department does not phone any residents about cut offs.
“A notice of termination is placed on the utility bill and power will only be cut off if no action is taken by the resident or business in a reasonable amount of time. If residents receive a call asking them to pay over the phone or by gift card, hang up and call the City of Manassas Utilities Department at 703-257-8245 to verify that payment is due,” said Prince in a release.
