(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents about another  scam circulating in the area.

Merchant said county residents have reported receiving phone calls falsely claiming that their utility bill is overdue.  The caller states unless immediate payment is made through credit card, their service will be immediately shut off.

Residents have reported the threat has been made on water, gas and electric
services.    

Merchant said the caller tries to scare residents into paying by telling them it is against the law to live in a property without utility service and they would report them to the authorities.

He reminds residents this is not how utility companies operate.  

Merchant said if you feel you have been a victim of this scam, notify your  utility company and local law enforcement at once.