ST. CHARLES – Businesses that receive a call threatening that their electricity will be shut off because of an unpaid bill should not rush to payment because it might be a scam, the St. Charles Police Department said Tuesday.

“If they’re suspicious in any manner, they should call police,” spokesman Paul McCurtain said.

A sub and pizza restaurant in the 2700 block of East Main Street lost $489.86 after getting such a call Monday, McCurtain said. The caller reportedly identified himself as ComEd employee Steve Johnson and said the business’ electricity would be shut off at 12:15 p.m. if its unpaid bill wasn’t paid immediately.