A new phone scam is making the rounds in the area, and local residents are being urged to stay alert.

Scammers are calling people while pretending to represent local utility companies, claiming gas or electric service will be disconnected unless an immediate payment is made. In many cases, the caller then transfers the victim to a supposed supervisor or manager to provide payment instructions.

Residents who have received the calls say the scam can sound very convincing because the callers are using the names of legitimate local utility providers.

Authorities are reminding the public never to provide payment information over the phone unless they have independently verified who they are speaking with. Residents are also encouraged to warn family members, friends, and elderly loved ones about the scam to help prevent financial losses and identity theft.