POTSDAM — The Potsdam Police Department are warning residents, especially business owners that there have been a significant number of reports of subjects contacting local business owners in a fraud scheme.

In each instance it was reported that the subject, under the guise of being a technician with National Grid, states the electric service to the business is set for a shut-off within the hour if a payment is not received.

The called alleges that the customer’s account is three months in arrears.

The caller does not have the account number and may ask for it.

Police said the caller states they are unable to accept payment by check or credit card, but that the account holder must purchase “MoneyPak” pre-paid cards at a local business and then call the subject back with the numbers on the cards for payment.

Police urge anyone who receives a call of a similar nature not provide any information and to hang up.

Police are asking for anyone who receives a call like this to contact National Grid at the 800 number listed on their bill.