OCEAN CITY – Over the past few days, the Ocean City Police Department has received reports of attempted fraud targeting local businesses along Asbury Avenue. The fraud involves a person calling the business and identifying themselves as an Electric Company representative attempting to collect on overdue bills. The caller gives a return phone number and extension for the business to call back. The initial call is usually made by a female named Katie Perez. She tells the business to call back and speak with either Kevin Miller or Alex White. If the business calls back the phone will be answered. The business will be told they have one hour to make a cash payment by phone either with a prepaid money card or PayPal account. If the payment is not made the electric will be turned off.
To date the Ocean City Police Department has received five reported incidents. One business did make a payment based on the information provided by the caller.
If any local business receives a call of this nature they should disregard the caller and contact the police department to report the incident. Do not give out any confidential information to a person on the phone. Do not send money to any unverified person or address before contacting the Ocean City Police Department at (609)399-9111.
