Benton REA warns of phone scams

Benton Rural Electric Association is warning members of two phone scans.

In one scam a person claiming to represent Benton REA says he is going to immediately shut off power unless a large payment is made.

In the other scam, people are told they need to wire hundreds of dollars to receive a prize from Benton REA.

Benton REA never demands payment by a wire transfer or prepaid debt card, the REA said. It also would not request money to enter a contest or receive a price.

Suspicious phone calls from people claiming to represent Benton REA should be reported to 509-786-2913.

This story was originally published December 22, 2016 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Benton REA warns of phone scams."