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Ashland police warn of utility scam calls Monday Feb 19, 2018 at 4:29 PM Feb 19, 2018 at 4:29 PM By Tran Nguyen for the Mail Tribune ASHLAND — Police says scammers are targeting Ashland businesses and residents by making false threats of shutting off their utility services unless they pay over the phone. The scam is a variation of an ongoing national scheme, according to a city press release. Several local customers have reported that they were contacted by people claiming to represent the city. They were told to call a number to resolve their unpaid bills and to avoid having their power disconnected, according to the press release. Customers who followed the instruction reported hearing the same recorded message callers hear when they call the city, and when they pressed a button, they were connected with a person “who will try his best to scam you out of your money.” “When you are connected, a person will say ‘city of Ashland,’ ” Ashland police Chief Tighe O’Meara said. “And then he’ll try to scam you.” “I was told that he has a thick accent, but when I tried to call the number, I was disconnected,” he added. City staff says the number is not part of the city’s phone system. The scammers have apparently copied the city’s recording to make the scheme more believable. O’Meara said police are aware of two incidents. Neither caller ended up being victimized. Police warn residents to not make any payment if they are contacted in this matter and he asked people to either call Ashland police or the city’s Customer Service Division. “The city will never call and request payment over the phone for utility charges,” the press release said. “Utility customers are sent their monthly utility bills by mail or email, and are notified of any past due charges on that statement.” If payments are not being made, a service person will visit the property to notify customers prior to termination of service, the press release noted. Ashland police can be called at 541-482-5211. The city’s Customer Service Division can be reached at 541-488-6004.  — Reach reporter Tran Nguyen at 541-776-4485 or [email protected]. Follow her on twitter @nguyenntrann.