The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office would like to make all residents of Mahaska County aware that citizens have been receiving numerous reports in reference to scams within the Mahaska County area. Lately the Sheriff’s Office has been informed that citizens are receiving calls from subjects who claim to be affiliated with Mid-American Energy and are telling people that their power will be disconnected unless a payment is made. The method of payment that has been suggested is by gift card/pre-paid credit card and giving the numbers from the back of the card over the phone. The scammer has also been giving out a phone number of 1-800-490-2177.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office has notified Mid-American Energy about the scam and they advised they were already aware of this scam. Mid-American stated that it has been reported in several other surrounding areas.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office would also like to inform the public about another scam that involves a phone call from a person claiming to be an attorney and that they are representing a family member of yours whom has been arrested and currently in jail. The person on the phone will then instruct you on how to send them money or suggest payment by gift card/pre-paid credit card and then asks the citizen to give them the numbers from the back of the card over the phone. The Sheriff’s Office has also received reports that when subjects call you they will state “can you hear me” and they will record your response. They will use that recording for part of their scam. The Sheriff’s Office is recommending that citizens do not answer any calls if you do not recognize the caller and let them leave a message.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office would like all Mahaska County residents to be extremely cautious when giving any information over the phone. Upon receiving any calls that you believe could possibly be a scam, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office suggest calling the Mahaska County E911 Center (641-673-8403) before making any form of payment.