[May 25, 2012] Police, LP&L investigate utility bill scam Tweet May 25, 2012 (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Lubbock Power & Light and the Lubbock Police Department on Friday were gathering information about a utility bill payment scam circulating in Lubbock, according to the city of Lubbock and police. Under the scam, utility customers are told President Obama has approved special funding through the Federal Reserve Bank for utility bill assistance. Customers are given a fraudulent bank routing number in exchange for information from the customer's social security card. It's believed this scam is spread via the Internet and phone and by door-to-door solicitation. LP&L spokesman Chris Sims said investigators believe the scam had affected fewer than one dozen customer by late Friday. "This is just the first time we've seen this particular scam," he said. Sims said LP&L was aware of and investigating the scam since Thursday. Lubbock police remind everyone not to give out personal information over the phone or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with. LP&L reminds all of its customers that use of this or any fraudulent bank routing number could result in late fees, returned check fees and possible utility service disconnects. Lubbock Police Sgt. Jonathan Stewart said he could not release details about specific cases by Friday. To comment on this story: [email protected] -- 766-8725 [email protected] -- 766-8706 ___ (c)2012 the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas) Visit the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas) at www.lubbockonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]