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Larchmont Shop Warns Of Con Ed Scam In Which Caller Warns Of Shutting Power

LARCHMONT, N.Y. -- Larchmont businesses are on high alert after receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be Con Edison and demanding money or they will shut off the power.

A caller claiming to be from Con Edison attempted to scam Aroma Roasters in Larchmont

A caller claiming to be from Con Edison attempted to scam Aroma Roasters in Larchmont

Photo Credit: Aroma Roasters

David Nadelson of Aroma Coffee Roast was one of the businesses that received the call. He said Con Edison came up on the caller ID and said there was an issue with his billing. Nadelson said other Larchmont businesses received similar calls.

"They were pretty crafty with time," Nadelson said.

The caller said unless they received $600 in the next 30 minutes they were going to shut off the power. They suggested Nadelson's employee go to CVS and get a Money Pak. 

"It's a total shakedown," Nadelson said. "I know my bill is paid. It's a scam to get people frustrated and anxious."

Nadelson called the number back and found they had a voicemail that sounded exactly like Con Edison. He spoke to someone who threatened to cut off his power and Nadelson said he would meet him at the power box. The caller then hung up.

"They know right away if you're onto them," Nadelson said. "They were hoping for someone who would just send them money. They could make a couple hundred or a couple thousand dollars."

Con Edison says to be alert if anyone asks you by telephone to arrange for pre-paid debit cards of any kind as payment for your bill, or to send money to an out-of-state address. Never arrange payment or divulge account or personal information, including debit or credit card information, over the telephone, unless you are certain you are speaking to a Con Edison representative.

Con Edison does not accept Money Paks as payment. Anyone who feels they may have been a target of an imposter or Money Pak should call their local police department, Con Edison said. 

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