AUGUSTA, Maine - After a quiet period, Central Maine Power is reporting a new surge of scam calls to customers.
"This week we have received a number of reports from customers that are telling us that people claiming to be from CMP are calling them, threatening them with imminent disconnection, and demanding immediate payment," says CMP spokeswoman Gail Rice.
Rice says the scammers usually call business customers just before busy rush periods, but they've also targeted residential customers. In many cases they've been told to buy a pre-paid debit card and to call a specific number to make payment.
Rice says CMP won't call a customer for payment if the account is in good standing, or ask customers to buy a debit card. She says customers can check their balances at the company's website, and make any urgent payments there.
Rice says customers who believe they've been scammed should call local police.