A fraud alert has been issued by the Yonkers Police Department.

Detectives say thieves, posing as utility workers or IRS agents, call people trying to collect debt and threatening to cut off heat and electricity.

In some cases, the scammers even threatened to deport people if the intended victims didn't put the cash on a prepaid card and hand over the number. "Government agencies, legitimate businesses do not request immediate payment by debit card. And if they do, it will be some type of scam or fraud," says Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner.

So far, a dozen victims have been scammed this year. Police say anyone getting these type of calls should report it immediately.