Police: Burnet businesses targeted in gas bill scams

FROM STAFF REPORTS

BURNET — A couple of scams targeting gas customers have Burnet police and officials asking residents to be vigilant if somebody calls them over the phone demanding payment.

According to the Burnet Police Department, suspects contacted two local businesses claiming to represent TXU Gas and Atmos Gas.

During one attempt, a caller asked a business for a security deposit between $100 and $150 and stated the business could pay with a credit card either over the phone or online. The first suspect used the name “Bobby” and then handed the phone to a supervisor, who identified himself as “Daniel Lawson.”

This call came about 5:30 p.m., the time the business was getting ready to close.

In the second incident, a caller contacted another business and informed the company it had to pay an unpaid deposit of $1,500. The caller alleged he was affiliated with the city of Burnet. This suspect threatened to shut off power if the deposit was not paid within an hour.

The caller gave the business owner specific instructions regarding paying the deposit, which included getting three prepaid credit cards of $500, $500 and $490. The suspect used the name “Ronald Taylor,” and the call was from 1-866-978-0253 ext. 798.

Burnet officials remind residents they do not collect payments by contacting customers over the phone. If a resident has a concern about a call or other communication claiming to be from the city, they are urged to hang up and call the city of Burnet at (512) 756-6093.

Anyone who feels he or she has been victim of these types of scams should also call the police department at (512) 756-6404.

editor@thepicayune.com