A Jefferson resident told local authorities they had fallen victim to a utility scam. The Jefferson Police Department reports they were contacted at about 5:19 p.m. on Wednesday. The victim said the caller identified themselves as an Alliant Energy employee and said they were collecting on a past-due bill. The victim was told unless they paid $167.70 immediately, their power would be turned off. The victim provided the caller with their debit card information, but after thinking about the situation they contacted their bank and learned $500 had been withdrawn. The victim was forced to close that account and open a new one with a new debit card issued as well. Utility providers are reminding customers they do not operate in this fashion. Several attempts to collect any past-due bills will be made in writing and they will generally work with customers to set up a plan for repayment. Scammers often rely on a sense of urgency and threats to get their victims to react without going throug
CEDAR RAPIDS - As the winter weather thaws in the coming weeks, more Cedar Rapids residents may look to make remaining repairs on their derecho-damaged homes.