CULLMAN, Ala. (AP) — The Cullman Electric Cooperative is warning of a new scam in which residents are told their electrical service will be cut off if they don’t pay immediately.

Co-op spokesman Brian Lacy tells The Cullman Times (http://bit.ly/1kyftpe ) that his office has received several reports about the scam where the caller claims to be from a debt collection service working on behalf of the company.

The caller then claims an immediate payment is needed via a pre-paid cash card, or else electrical service will be shut down immediately. Some of the alleged “late amounts” have totaled as much as $500.

Lacy says Cullman Electric never makes direct phone calls for collections.

Anyone who has received a call of this nature is encouraged to contact police and the co-op.