On October 1, 2014, a business owner in Vinton County received a phone call from a man saying his name was Charles Henderson with Buckeye Rural Electric, saying that the business owner was severally behind on her gas bill. When she told the man that she had all electric and no gas, then the man gave her a "business" number to call and verify and told her to ask for "Stephanie". Stephanie told her that she owed $2098 or her electric would be shut off in 1/2hr to an hour. Stephanie told her to go to a Kroger or Dollar Store, with cash only, and then call her back for further instructions. The number that came up on her phone was 218-600-2650. If you google this number, it tells you that it is a scam caller
This is an obvious scam. DO NOT fall for this. This scam, to me, is very serious because they are telling you to bring cash somewhere and then call them back. This could be a possible robbery attempt, or it could be that they would have you get a money order and then tell you where to send it. If you ever have a question or a "red flag" that something is not right, it probably isn't.
If you receive a phone call or mail that you believe is a scam, or if you want to check to make sure, please call the Sheriff's Office at 740-596-5242 and ask to speak with a Deputy or myself, Sheriff Shawn Justice. We would be glad to help!
