Have you gotten a call from someone warning you that your power will get cut off if you don't pay your LADWP bill with a pre-paid cash card? It's a scam.

The LAPD is warning the public that there's been an increase in these sorts of scams over the last few months.

Here's how it works: imposters call customers and tell them that they're behind on their bill. They threaten to cut off the customers' power immediately if they don't pay the balance. The phony utility workers then ask customers to call a certain number to purchase a pre-paid cash card for the balance.

All of this should send up red flags. The LADWP says it doesn't contact customers by phone demanding payment, it gives customers several options for paying their bills and it would never demand that customers buy a pre-paid cash card. If you are behind on your bill, LADWP isn't going to shut off your power immediately and you'll probably be getting several notices before it comes time to cut the power. They offer payment plans and assistance if you ask for help.



If you're not sure if a call you got from someone claiming to be from the LADWP is a scam artist, you can call call 1-800 DIAL DWP to double-check. And if you want to report a crime, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).