Scam alert issued after churches contacted by fake PUD company

SOUTH COUNTY – There are lowlifes, and then there are really low lowlifes. The lowest could be the ones that tried to scam three South County churches out of money the first Sunday of the season of giving.

According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the scammers are using the Grant County PUD’s name in this operation. But they didn’t fool St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Royal City, the Church of the Nazarene in Royal City or Volviendo a La Biblia Church in Schawana.

“The call is stating they are the PUD and that the victim needs to make payment today or their power will be shut off,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

The calls that came to the churches were from the phone number 800-337-4615. The caller was requesting a call back to the number 800-337-4612.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Royal City Police are investigating the complaints from the churches. None of the churches sent money. They called the police instead.

“Clearly these calls are a scam,” Sheriff Tom Jones said. “If you receive a call from anyone demanding money, ask them for a call back number so you can verify the call is legitimate.”

When officers called the 800 number back (Sunday), they received an automated message announcing they had won a vacation trip.

“Take a moment to discuss this information with vulnerable people who may fall prey to such scams,” Jones said. “Always notify law enforcement if you believe you are a victim of any scam.”

Grant PUD has also been notified of the scam.