The Town of Ramapo Police Department is warning residents about a series of recent scams involving callers posing as representatives from Orange & Rockland Utilities.
According to police, over the past week multiple residents reported receiving phone calls from individuals falsely claiming they had overdue utility bills. The callers pressured victims to make immediate payments using gift cards, threatening that utility service would be shut off if payment was not made right away.
Police emphasized that Orange & Rockland Utilities does not conduct business in this manner, and utility companies do not request or accept payments via gift cards under any circumstances.
Residents are advised that if they receive a suspicious call, they should hang up immediately and contact the utility company directly using the official phone number listed on their bill or on the company’s verified website.
Authorities noted that it is especially troubling that scammers are exploiting cold weather conditions and using fear to pressure residents into handing over money. The Ramapo Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and to share this warning with family members, friends, and neighbors to help prevent further victims.