Long Beach residents are being advised to be aware of utility service scams throughout the city, officials said Friday.

The scam involves a telephoned threat of utility service termination unless a payment is made, said city spokesman Edward Kamlan in a statement. Someone claiming to work for a utility company calls residents and warns them their account is past due, and either power, gas or water service will be shut off unless the person goes to a payment station immediately to make a payment following specific instructions.

“Utilities always contact customers in writing about payments or service changes,” Kamlan explained.

Kamlan said anyone with questions about utility billing can call (562) 570-5700.