Scammers pose as city power department

Several citizens have been contacted by individuals claiming the be the Sidney Power Department or Wheatbelt Public Power. These individuals inform the residents that their power bill is delinquent and that it will be turned off if they don’t pay.

“These calls are a scam,” said Sidney Chief of Police BJ Wilkinson in an email. “If you were to make a payment, as they direct, it would not go towards your utility bills at all.”

Those who are behind on a bill probably know it, he said. Providers give out written notices with the amount owed and shut-off date.

“Your provider would not call you and tell you to make payment right now or your service would be shut off,” Wilkinson said.

He advises citizens who receive these calls to inform the caller that they know about the scam and to direct them to call the police department to verify their identities.