Cedar Rapids police investigate phone scam

CEDAR RAPIDS (AP) ? Police in Cedar Rapids are investigating a phone scam report involving a utility company.

Police say a resident received a phone call Saturday from someone who claimed to be from MidAmerican Energy. The person told the resident that he was behind on a payment and the utility would need it to fix a gas leak.

The resident told police that he made a partial payment through a prepaid card. A second payment was stopped and the resident notified police.

Authorities are warning residents to ask questions and take down a number if they?re contacted by someone claiming to be from a utility company. Residents are encouraged to not give financial information over the phone, but to hang up and call the number listed on a utility bill.