LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power warned customers Wednesday of criminals posing as employees trying to collect money on supposed overdue bills.

The DWP said the imposters call customers or show up at the person’s home to tell them they have overdue bills.

They then instruct the resident to call a phone number and give the person on the other line a bank account or credit card number.

According to DWP spokeswoman Jane Galbraith, the utility company has seen an increase in reports of people being targeted by the fake employees.

Customers are encouraged to contact LADWP Security Services at (213) 367-3373 or (213) 367-9111 if they see any suspicious activity.

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