Police warn of utility scam

A scheme that targeted small-business owners in Costa Mesa last summer has resurfaced, authorities said.

According to a warning from police, scammers are posing as Southern California Edison representatives and threatening to shut off electricity if victims don’t make good on a supposed overdue bill.

The caller will instruct the victim to buy a pre-paid debit card and use it for payment over the phone, Costa Mesa police said in a news release.

Last year, businesses that fell victim to the scheme lost an average of $800 to $1,000, while residential victims usually lost between $300 and $500, police said.

People who think they got a call from someone impersonating an Edison representative should call the company at (800) 655-4555, police said.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck