HOUGHTON — Law enforcement officials in Houghton are warning the public about a phone scam hitting the area involving callers posing as UPPCO.

The City of Houghton Police Department says the scam involves local businesses being contacted over telephone under the threat of a shutoff notice if the business does not pay cash for late billing.

Police advise those who get such a call to contact their area police departments to find out if it is indeed part of the telephone scam. UPPCO wants the public to know that they do not threaten people or businesses with police action or immediate shutoff notices. Those who feel they have received a fraudulent bill can also contact UPPCO.