State attorney general warns of rise in phone scams

There is a surge of phone scams across New York state.

State Attorney General Letitia James says that scammers are impersonating utilities customer service representatives.

These scammers would urge customers to buy gift cards and call back with the serial numbers to pay a bill.

Scammers then put pressure on customers to pay immediately or have their services cut off.

Utility providers will never accept gift cards as a form of payment.

Those targeted by a similar scam can file a claim through the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau.

The number is 1-800-771-7755, or you can file online here.