Derry Township, PA -- Pennsylvania State Police are sharing a warning after a Derry Township man fell victim to an electric bill scam. 

The 76-year-old victim answered a blocked phone call on Monday from someone claiming to be with his electric company and said he was delinquent on his bill. 

The caller allegedly claimed to be with the company Direct Energy and told the resident his power would be shut off if a payment was not made immediately. 

The caller stated it would take three days to turn the power back on if the payment was not made immediately, according to troopers. 

Two temporary bar codes were emailed to the victim, and he was instructed to go to a Dollar General to make the payments. 

The victim proceeded to two different Dollar General stores near Derry Township where the barcodes were scanned, and the victim was deceived of $981. 

State police remind residents that legitimate companies and businesses will never call from a blocked number, send suspicious emails or text messages, and will not ask for payment via gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or any other unorthodox means of payment. 

Authorities urge you to hang up if the phone call seems suspicious and report it to your local police agency.