MLGW has received reports of a new scam that targets Spanish-speaking customers. The customers are receiving calls in Spanish that falsely tell the customers that utility payments have not been received and that the customer is subject to cutoff. The scammer instructs the customer to purchase gift cards to be used as utility payments. The scammer also provides the customer with a phone number to call back once the customer has purchased the cards, then requests that payment be made with the cards.
 

Other claims the scammer has reportedly made:

• The customer’s meter is not working properly, that they are being overcharged, and that they will receive a refund.
   
• That a government program will help pay the customer’s bill after the gift card payment is made.