The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about individuals calling and posing as representatives from a local utility provider.

Sheriff John Merchant on Thursday, said he has been notified by several businesses and residents who have been contacted over the phone by a person claiming to represent Westar Energy. The caller ID even shows the call is from Westar, the largest electric provider in Kansas.

“The caller is stating that the electric bill has not been paid and unless payment is received, electrical service will be disconnected within a short amount of time. A number and extension is given and so far, all people reporting the scam have given the same call back number of
1-866-377-5292 extension #1 and they are being told to ask for Rachel Bankes,” Merchant said. “DO NOT RETURN THIS CALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!! I am advising residents NOT to trust what your caller ID says, any persons name or phone number can be programmed to show up on your caller ID.”

This is not a new scam. Westar Energy, after receiving reports of impostors in the past said customers who may have received a suspicious call should hang up and call Westar at 800-383-1183. The utility company said suspicious activity should also be reported to local law enforcement. CLICK HERE for more information.

Anyone who may have fallen victim to the scam is asked to notify local authorities.