The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a new scam.

According to Sheriff Glen Kochanowski, a business owner contacted authorities after a scammer told him he was with Weststar Energy and threatened to cut the power off at his business unless payment was sent.

The business owner said the scammer had a middle eastern accent and had knowledge about his Weststar bill, including the amount he had most recently paid.

When the owner began to question the caller who identified himself, as “Jeff Stein,” he was immediately switched to a “supervisor” who told him the power at his business would be turned off in 48-hours if he did not go to the Dollar General on 9th Street and pay $833.87.

Sheriff Kochanowski said the scammers failed to provide any other details on how the payment should be sent – except that he should go to the Dollar General.

“Perhaps there’s a learning curve involved with these two,” Sheriff Kochanowski said.

The business owner contacted authorities on Thursday.

Deputies followed up with Dollar General and Weststar Energy as the investigation continues.