Authorities stumped in attempt to trace scam phone calls

Sidney police received around a half dozen reports of an attempted phone scam from area businesses last week.

Both Shamrock and Conoco gas stations in Sidney answered calls from a person claiming to be with the city of Sidney. This person told those at the stations that they were late on electric payments. These businesses were told that power would be shut off if they didn't pay $2,700 to the caller.

When alerted by the businesses, Sidney police called this number. A person answered as Sidney Public Power District, an entity that doesn't exist. Trying the same number later, the perso...