State police in Westmoreland County are investigating a scam case out of Derry Township where the victim lost close to $1000.
The incident was reported on Monday. Troopers claimed a 76-year-old Derry man was called by someone claiming to be with Direct Energy and said that he was delinquent in his electric bill and threatened to shut off power if payment was not made immediately. The victim was then emailed two pre-made temporary bar codes and was instructed to go to the nearest Dollar General stores to make payment. The barcodes were scanned at two different stores in Derry Township and the suspect received $981.
While the investigation into the fraud is continuing, troopers remind people that legitimate companies will never call from blocked numbers, send suspicious text messages or emails, or instruct or ask you to buy a gift card to make a payment.
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