LOCAL PHONE SCAM

The Farmersville Police Department was made aware by a local business owner of a phone scam.

Today, the business owner received a phone call from a person who identified themselves with the “Gas Company” and when asked specifically, the person identified themselves with ATMOS gas. The person advised the business owner that their business had been “red tagged”, the person continued to explain that a countdown had been placed on their meter and the gas will be shut off unless you purchase a “reload it” card to be in good standing.

The person advised that they could go to Tom Thumb and purchase a Visa reloadable card and later provide the identifying information from the card to be added to their account. A phone number out of California was provided for the business owner to call once the card was obtained.

Subsequently, the business owner began this process but felt uneasy and called ATMOS to verify and discovered that this was a scam. ATMOS advised that this is a scam going around the country currently.

Please be aware, verify any utility company or any organization that wants you to go through an expedited process for payment. Please pass on to family, neighbors, and friends.

Thanks, Farmersville Police Department