AHOSKIE – Someone is posing as an official with the Town of Ahoskie in an attempt to bilk money from the town’s water and sewer customers.

Ahoskie Town Manager Tony Hammond said that he has been made aware of the scam, and warns water/sewer customers not to fall for this scheme to obtain money illegally.

“We’re looking into it,” Hammond stated. “We are attempting to locate the source of these phone calls, and when we do we will prosecute this individual or individuals to the fullest extent the law allows.”

Hammond said the scam involves a phone call being placed to Town of Ahoskie residents, informing them they are past due on their monthly water/sewer bill.

“Our citizens are being instructed to purchase a pre-loaded debit card,” Hammond said. “If they fail to do so, the person making the call is threatening to cut-off water and sewer service.”

He added that information was not shared with Town Hall of where the water/sewer customers were to send these debit cards.

Hammond says he believes the scammers are local.

“They are mentioning the name of our Public Works Director Kirk Rogers during their calls,” he stated.

Hammond added that the town does not place telephone calls to water/sewer customers that are late paying their bills.

“We maintain the same practice as we have for years….the bills are mailed, the due date is the 15^th of each month and the customer has until the 20^th of each month to pay. If payment is not received by the 20^th, then service is disconnected on the 21^st,” Hammond noted.

“I would strongly advise our water/sewer customers to report any instances to the Town Hall (252-332-5146) of receiving these types of phone calls. This is a scam; do not follow their instructions regarding the purchase of a pre-loaded debit card, and, if asked, do not give the caller any type of personal information, to include credit card or banking numbers,” Hammond concluded.