Rolla residents are the next target in Phelps County phone scams

Phelps County deputies announced on Tuesday that scammers are continuing to impersonate county employees in attempt to collect financial information.

Officers said members in the Rolla area are the latest targets. The scammers are claiming to be with a merchant company working on behalf of the co-op to collect unpaid electric bills.

Deputies said members are threatened with power disconnection if they do not comply and make payments over the phone.

County employees will not call and threaten to disconnect power and does not use a merchant company to collect payments.

Deputies ask anyone that is unsure of the validity of a call, hang up and call the sheriff’s department at (866) 621-3679.

Officers warn residents to not call the scammers back because they could be able to collect bank account information.