CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – A scam alert in Cortland County.

According to Sheriff Mark Helms, residents have received calls from a number with a 315 or 607 area code claiming to be a NYSEG employee.

The caller states the victim’s billing has been upgraded, and payments have not been received. In some instances, the caller will tell the victim their power will be turned off if they don’t call an 888 number and arrange a cash payment.

Helms says utility companies will never arrange to come to your home to collect cash to prevent service cutoffs. He adds you should never provide personal information or arrange an in-person meeting with someone you don’t know.

If you receive a similar call, it’s recommended that you hang up and contact NYSEG directly.