FLINT -- Flint residents are being warned about a scam offering to pay their utility bills.

"From what we hear it’s pretty convincing in the fact that they're not asking for your bank number,” said Jason Lorenz, spokesperson for Emergency Manager Mike Brown.

The company involved is offering people a grant of $1,000 or more.  All they have to do is give out some personal information and a brand new account with the cash in it is theirs.    

"The person obtains the account and routing number and they're told to pay their utilities with it,” Lorenz said.

But there is no money.  The account is fraudulent, and responding to the offer can put personal information in the wrong hands.

"They just really need to leave us along we already don't have two nickels to rub together,” said Niecole Middleton of Flint.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and not give out any personal information over the phone.