PROVIDENCE (AP) — The Rhode Island attorney general and utility National Grid are warning residents to be aware of scammers posing as bill collectors.

The attorney general in a statement this past week said there has been a recent uptick in reported scam attempts targeting residential and business electric and natural gas customers by phone.

The most recent phone scam is an automated message alleging to be from National Grid. The message informs consumers that they have a past due balance on their account and their power will be shut off in 30 to 40 minutes unless they make an immediate payment by phone.

Authorities say National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, iTunes cards, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other prepaid card service.

Anyone who thinks they have been targeted by scammers should contact law enforcement or the utility.