Cape police warn residents of electric bill payment scam
Cape Coral Police are warning residents to be aware of a scam involving an offer to help with electric bill payments.
On September 8, a citizen contacted Cape police to report a telephone solicitation from an individual who said he was associated with “FPL International.” The person told the resident that his company would pay half of her electric bill for one year if she paid a small, upfront fee. The citizen obtained the company’s phone number and contacted LCEC, who told her they are unaware of this service or company.
A Cape police officer called the company’s phone number and inquired about their service. A man told the officer his company would pay half of the electric bill each month for the next year for a fee of $399. When asked where the payment should be sent, the male provided two addresses outside of the Cape Coral area. Both addresses came back to residential neighborhoods. Following a check with the Better Business Bureau, Cape police confirmed that there is no listing or phone number provided for this company.
Cape police advise residents who receive a solicitation from this company to decline the offer and refuse to provide any funds or access to funds.
If residents have any question about a solicitation from an unknown company, get the business name and a contact number for the company. Contact the Better Business Bureau of West Florida at (800) 525-1447 to verify if the business is legitimate and in good standing.
Residents also can contact the City of Cape Coral’s Business Licensing Division at (239) 574-0726 to confirm if the company has a valid business license in the city.
Source: City of Cape Coral