Detectives in DeLand are warning residents about a billing scam that has already ripped off residents.

Officials say someone calls claiming to be an employee of your utility company, and says the payment is past due and you have one hour to pay or your services will be disconnected.

The caller then apparently asks for payment, and says check or credit card won't be fast enough.

Detectives are warning that if you receive a phone call like this, hang up and call your actual utility company before making any payment.

If you think you've been a victim of this, call the DeLand police department.