A Jefferson restaurant reported they had fallen victim to a scam on Wednesday. Employees from Casa de Oro contacted the Jefferson Police Department to report they had received a call from someone claiming to be with Alliant Energy. They said the business had not paid the last utility bill and they were shutting off power within the hour if the bill was not paid. They were instructed to go to the nearest Dollar General and purchase Money Pak Cards to settle the account. The caller would not accept credit card payment from the business, and demanded the other cards. These were purchased and the numbers provided to the caller. This crime is not traceable, and that business has lost more than $1,100 dollars. Authorities caution everyone to hang up on calls such as this and contact your utility company directly to determine if there are any issues with your account. Never provide financial information over the phone and remember that these businesses will not require you to purchase gift cards for payment.
