Blackduck Police Department: THE LATEST PHONE SCAM

On March 19, 2014, the Blackduck Police Department became aware of a phone scam regarding electric service billing. A resident of the City of Blackduck had contacted law enforcement after receiving a phone call from a male with a foreign accent. This male told the person that unless her electric bill was paid in full within 30 minutes, her electric service would be disconnected. When the caller was asked for identification, the caller gave a name and stated that he was with North Itasca Electric. He also provided a phone number which was discovered to be a cell phone from Barnum, MN.

The victim contacted her electric utility provider and learned that this is a scam in which the suspects are seeking information such as credit card or bank account information. The Blackduck Police Department strongly urges residents to never give personal information over the phone to an unsolicited caller. Also, residents are advised to contact their electric service provider if they have any question regarding this type of call.

John Wilkinson

Chief of Police

City of Blackduck