OXFORD — Oxford police are warning area businesses to be aware of a scam in which a caller claims to be from Central Maine Power Co. and threatens to shut off power unless he gets immediate payment of a bill.

Lt. Michael Ward says one business has already been cheated out of $500.

Ward tells the Sun Journal the man claiming to be from the utility threatens to cut power unless the owner makes a payment with a credit card.

Ward says he contacted the number used by the scammer on Wednesday and briefly spoke to the person, who basically dared Ward to find him.

Ward says personal information should never be given out over the phone and he says people with questions about their bills should contact the utility directly.