COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Public Power District is warning customers of a phone scam attempt to defraud customers of electric utilities, including those in the Kearney area.

KOLN television (http://bit.ly/1jU6Ou7 ) reports the scam involves telephone callers claiming to be from a utility company and then employing a variety of techniques to defraud customers.

Some threaten customers with disconnecting electric service to their home or business if they don’t make a payment immediately. Customers are instructed to send money via prepaid card or online payment service.

The scammer’s caller-ID even appears to originate from the utility company.

NPPD customer service spokesman Ken Curry says customers are encouraged to contact local law enforcement about any suspicious calls demanding immediate payment of their electric bill.