Columbiana County Sheriff and Ohio Edison warns residents about phone scam

A utility payment scam designed to separate people from their cash is being reported here in the Valley.

Ohio Edison customers have been reporting fraudulent calls seeking immediate payment to avoid electric shutoff.

The Columbiana County Sheriff says callers, speaking with a Middle Eastern accent, are contacting businesses claiming to be from Ohio Edison.

The caller indicates that the business has a past due electric bill and that the electricity will be disconnected if they do not do the following:

• Respond to local stores and activate Green Dot prepaid credit cards in various amounts.

The Sheriff's department says it has already learned that one local business has sustained financial loss due to the scam.

Authorities say that if you receive a call of this nature, terminate the call.

If you're in doubt about your electric bill, contact your electric server and inquire about your account.

Call Ohio Edison 800-633-4766 if you wish to verify status of your account.