Utility Customers Warned Of Billing Scam

New Jersey's largest utility is warning customers about a billing scam that appears to be targeting Spanish-speaking customers.

Public Service Electric & Gas says dozens of customers have been contacted -- either by phone or at home -- by scammers claiming to be utility representatives. The customers are told their account is in arrears and, to resolve the problem, they must buy a specific brand of prepaid debit cards and put the necessary amount of cash on it.

They're also told to call back and provide the card number. The scammers then use that information to cash out the card.

In some cases, the scammers have stolen between $100 and $200 from customers. They then contacted their victims again, asking for another payment in exchange for discounts on future bills.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)