GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)—A new scam is going after local businesses and has already cost one more than $1,000.

Grand Junction Police spokesperson Kate Porras says a man called an area restaurant, saying he represents a power company and the restaurant had a balance on its account that was past due. He said if it was not paid within an hour, the power to the building would be shut off.

According to Porras, the scammer told the employee that the balance could be paid using pre-paid debit cards from local stores. The employee gave the scammer the numbers off the cards, so the man had access to the money in those accounts. The scammer took more than $1,000.

The police department is warning Mesa County businesses and homeowners to never give their bank account or debit card numbers to people they don’t know.

Instead, if you get this call, Porras recommends hanging up, calling your power company using the phone number on your bill, and ask them if you have an outstanding balance.

If you have been victimized by this scam, pick up a fraud packet at the Grand Junction Police Department, 555 Ute Avenue.