Crime & Safety

Alleged United Illuminating Call Leads to Reported Fraud

Fraud was reported in Monroe Wednesday after the complainant reportedly received a telephone call claiming he owed money for his electric bill.

A woman allegedly called the Monroe man Tuesday at about 7 p.m. claiming to be from United Illuminating and said that his $985.41 balance had not been paid so a service technician was on the way to turn off the power unless the man paid right away, according to the release.

Though the complainant found that he had sent a check to United Illuminating July 1, the woman reportedly said no payment had been received and that the man could either pay with a credit card or with Walgreen's Green Dot Money Pak Cards to prevent his power from being turned off, the release said.

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The man reportedly purchased two Money Pak Cards, one for $500 and one for $485.41, and called the woman back to read her the numbers to both cards, according to the release.

The following day, the man called United Illuminating and was told his July 1 payment had been received and he did not owe any money, the release said.

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Police are investigating the case.


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