The Joplin Police Department wants to make the public aware of a scam that has started again today. The caller purports to be from Empire District Electric and tells the caller that they have a past due bill and their electricity will be shut off in the next 45 minutes if they do not get a gift card or money card and give him the number to apply to their bill.

This is a scam and if a person has a question about their current electric bill please contact Empire District Electric at their offices.

The Joplin Police Department is aware of this scam and is currently investigating the calls and attempting to locate the caller.