The Rochester Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which victims are told they owe money to NSTAR electric company.

A business owner told police that someone claiming to be from a collection agency told the owner his bill was past due. The caller then quoted an amount due that was close to a past bill, which caused the owner to believe the call was legitimate.

However, when he asked about payment options the owner was told he had to use pre-paid credit cards from Cumberland Farms, and he only had 45 minutes to pay, otherwise a crew would cut power.

Suspecting a scam he hung up then called NSTAR. The company informed him he was not past due.

Police were notified and are working alongside NSTAR officials in an investigation. NSTAR reports that similar scams have been tried before.

NSTAR said if a customer gets a call of this nature, they can verify that by asking the caller for some basic information about their account such as the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance. Their customer service representatives will always be able to provide this information. If the caller cannot provide the correct information, the call is not from NSTAR.

NSTAR also said that representatives never demand instant payment over the phone and don't require the use of prepaid debit cards. NSTAR urges anyone with doubts about a call or visit to contact the company directly at 1-800-592-2000.

If anyone has been contacted under similar circumstances please contact the Rochester Police Department at 508-763-5112.