The Artesia Police Department is warning citizens about a potential telephone scam in the community.
On Jan. 4, officers made contact with a local man in reference to the scam. He told police he had been contacted by an individual claiming to be a representative of “P&E.” The caller advised the man he was behind on his gas bill and would have to remit payment or have his gas shut off.
The man said the caller instructed him to “get $1,454.95 and go to the Family Dollar in Artesia.”
The APD is cautioning residents to be aware that no reputable company would request such actions from its customers.
“Apparently, this is another attempt at yet another scam,” said Cmdr. Lindell Smith. “It did not work this time, but again, people need to be careful with their money, because with scams, it may be very difficult to get the money or other goods back after a transaction has taken place.”
