The Cornelius Police Department is warning residents and business owners of a recent phone scam in the area.

An area business owner reported receiving a phone call from representative from Duke Energy alleging this business has past due balances. The caller then requested the victim to pay a certain amount by purchasing a Green Dot Card for the past due amount or the Cornelius Police Department and these fraudulent individuals would be coming to the business to disconnect their power. This is a scam and the suspect's claims are fraudulent.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be affiliated with a municipality, government agency, law enforcement agency, or utility company telling you to pay with a specific pre-paid debit card, do not give them any information or comply with the caller's request. If possible, write down the caller's phone number and alert the Cornelius Police Department at (704)892-7773 or your local law enforcement agency.