Fake Seattle City Light bill collectors calling local businesses

SEATTLE - Several people posing as Seattle City Light bill collectors are calling businesses and threatening to turn off their power if they don't pay non-existent bills, police said.

The Seattle Police Department fraud unit first started receiving reports of the scam back in May, but police say the con artists have been making more calls lately.  Detectives received five new cases alone on Tuesday.

The scammers are specifically targeting local restaurants. The callers will ask the owners to buy a pre-paid debit card from a local store and to provide the card number over the phone.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a City Light bill collector, or if you believe you've been targeted by the scam, please contact the Seattle Police Department at 206-625-5011.