Dec. 11, 2013:  Editor's note: Bronxville chief of police Christopher Satriale sent out the following eAlert to residents warning of a utility bill scam being run in the area.

Over the past few weeks several Bronxville merchants have been victimized by an overdue utility payment scam. Several attempts have been made to victimize residents as well.

In recent cases the individual calling local businesses and residences claims to be from the utility company providing service to the location. The caller advises the merchant or resident that their account is overdue and an immediate payment is the only way to avoid a disruption of service.

The merchant and/or resident is directed to immediately purchase a MoneyPak Green Dot cash card and call back with the Green Dot account number over the phone or provide credit card information for immediate payment.

We have been in contact with all local utilities and have confirmed that none would request such a payment from their customers. Consolidated Edison has issued the following notice:

Con Edison urges customers to never provide a Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it unless you initiated the contact and know the identity of the person you are speaking with.

If you receive a call from someone you do not trust and who is urging you to make a payment to Con Edison, hang up and check the legitimacy of the call by dialing 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

Anyone who feels they have been victimized by the above scam should contact their local police department.

Pictured here:  Bronxville chief of police Christopher Satriale.

Photo by A. Warner