Consumer Alert: New York Attorney General warns of increase in scam calls

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — This story in your consumer alert comes straight from the Office of the New York Attorney General.

Letitia James is seeing a lot of New Yorkers fall prey to telephone scams.

I’ve told you about this particular scam before, but the AG says she’s seeing a huge surge in the number of calls.

Scammers call you are posing as a utility company worker, and boy do they sound convincing. They say if you don’t pay up, your services are going to be cut off, and they want the payment in gift cards.

James wants to remind you that utility providers will never accept gift cards for payment or demand immediate payment.

If you’ve fallen victim to any scam, the AG wants to hear from you. You can call her at 800-771-7755 or contact the fraud office online.