Dominion Virginia Power warns residents of Sandy scams - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

It has been a week since Superstorm Sandy blew through the D.C. metro area, but scammers may be out there trying to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.

One Great Falls family called police Monday after phone calls, allegedly from Dominion Virginia Power, demanding money to help them avoid an explosion from a hurricane-related power surge.

Paul Camacho, 26, lives at the home with three younger siblings and his parents. They were in the dark for awhile during Hurricane Sandy, but the calls about the emergency need for a Dominion crew sounded suspicious, especially when the caller asked for $300, not a check or in cash. He wanted a pre-paid Visa card. The caller left a number.

The Camachos called back and got a woman who said she was a secretary who could work with them and reduce the price to $200. A crew was going to get there in a few minutes.

The family notified Dominion Virginia Power, which had not dispatched a crew. They also filed a police report.

Le-Ha Anderson, spokeswoman for Dominion Virginia Power, says they did exactly the right thing. She says the utility never asks customers for money to perform storm work above and beyond their electric bill. She says customers should never hesitate to report suspicious activity.