AUGUSTA (AP) — Central Maine Power Co. is warning its customers to be aware of a scam in which someone calls pretending to be a collections agent and demands power bill payment over the phone.

The utility said the caller tells customers to deposit cash or a money order into bogus accounts through convenience store cash transfer systems. Others have been instructed to call a number and provide personal financial information to settle a bill.

The scammer has been targeting mostly small businesses and restaurants in the Lewiston, Portland and Augusta areas.

Central Maine Power said the utility would never call a customer to demand payment in that manner.

Customers who need to make an urgent payment should do so only through the utility’s website or an approved agent.