All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

PSC warns of new utility phone scam

CHARLESTON, WV – There is a new twist to an old phone scam and the Public Service Commission is cautioning utility customers to be on the alert.  This latest version is particularly disturbing because the callers have enough specific information about your utility bill to make them sound more credible than ever.

In a recent example, an Appalachian Power Company customer in the Beckley area received a call in which the scammer claimed to represent the utility and threatened to shut off service if the customer didn’t pay the amount demanded.  The caller insisted that the customer had to provide her bank debit card information and pay $778.09, the exact amount of the customer’s last bill, which she had paid a few weeks earlier.

The customer told the scammer that she had paid the bill in person and had a receipt.  The scammer continued to push, saying that the payment had not been processed and the company never received the money.  The scammer continued to threaten the customer with loss of service if she did not provide her debit card information.

Fortunately, the customer knew what to do when faced with a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent a utility.  She hung up and called the customer service number on her APCo bill.  The company assured her that her account was in good standing.  Then the customer reported the scam to the PSC.  When the PSC contacted the utility, the company’s customer service representative said that there have been other instances of this scam in their service area.

“Never engage with these criminals,” says PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane.  “If you receive a call from someone who threatens to shut off your utility service and demands payment, hang up immediately and call the number on your utility bill.  Your utility representatives will provide accurate information about any outstanding balance and will appreciate the report of any scams that are being perpetrated in their name.  You should also report the scam to local police.”

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

The Colonial Arts Center & CAC Gallery Present: 2025 Vandalia Arts Journal Exhibition

The CAC Gallery will host the inaugural exhibition of The Vandalia Arts Journal from April 25 to May 10, featuring WV Wesleyan College students’ literary and visual works.

Upshur County FFA members compete in the West Virginia Beef Stockman’s Contest at the 2025 Beef Expo

Four Upshur County FFA members gained hands-on experience and new skills while competing in knowledge and evaluation events at the West Virginia Beef Stockman’s Contest during the Beef Expo at WVU Jackson’s Mill.

Buckhannon Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda: Mya 28, 2025

The City of Buckhannon has released the agenda and public notice for its Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025.

Baseball suffers losses to Point Pleasant and University

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team fell to Point Pleasant 8-5 then suffered a 16-0 shutout against University, dropping their record to 7-11.

Softball Lady Bucs take down Bearcats by an 8-3 score

Kynnedy Marple pitched a complete-game three-hitter and contributed offensively as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Grafton 8-3 in a Big 10 Conference softball game, improving the Lady Bucs’ record to 9-7.

Highland Landscaping takes week one lead in men’s golf league standings

Highland Landscaping claimed an early lead in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League, defeating Feola’s Flowers and topping the standings after the opening week of play.

Wesleyan misses out on MEC post season lacrosse tournament as seeds and pairings announced

West Virginia Wesleyan College did not qualify for the 2025 Mountain East Conference Women’s Lacrosse Tournament as seeds and pairings were announced Thursday, with play set to begin Sunday.

Wesleyan lacrosse ends year with 23-5 loss to Charleston

West Virginia Wesleyan women’s lacrosse fell 23-5 to Charleston in their final regular season game, with Charleston dominating offensively and outshooting Wesleyan 34-12 despite standout defensive efforts from Francesca Sloan and Emma Adcock.

Lady Buc lacrosse team downs Morgantown, 9-5

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc lacrosse team snapped a two-game losing streak with a 9-5 win over Morgantown, led by Mallory Moss’s four goals and Kylie Hull’s 16 saves.

Lacrosse Bucs cruise past St. Albans for third straight win, 12-2

The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers won their third consecutive lacrosse game, defeating St. Albans 12-2, led by three-goal performances from Braylon Oldaker, Forest Catlin, and Tobias Marple.

Leadership Upshur to host free Community Skills Share event at Parish House

Leadership Upshur and the Upshur Parish House are inviting residents of all ages to a free Community Skills Share event on May 7, featuring practical workshops, demonstrations and door prizes to foster learning and community connection.

Middle schoolers bring Shakespearean magic to life via ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School students will bring laughter and enchantment to the stage with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” They invite the community to enjoy their free performances on April 25 and 26.