Crooks once again are targeting elderly people to obtain personal information that will enable them to raid the victims' checking and savings accounts.

And seniors who haven't received their one-time payment of $250 from the economic recovery bill that President Barack Obama signed into law in February can be particularly vulnerable to the scam.

The crooks call, ask the victims whether they have received the payment and offer to "help" if they haven't.

Hang up the phone. Don't even say goodbye.

"Do not provide your personal information to someone who contacts you requesting it to process your payment," said Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue.

The $250 payments were to be received by all eligible recipients by late May, including those on Supplemental Security Income. If you're on Social Security or SSI and haven't received a separate payment of $250 via direct deposit or a check, today is the day to contact the Social Security Administration.

Mr. Astrue asked seniors and SSI recipients who haven't received the payment to wait until June 4 before contacting the agency at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling one of the local Social Security offices.

But if you receive Social Security or SSI by direct deposit, go online to check your account or call or visit the bank. It will be easy to determine whether you received the payment because it is a separate transaction. It wasn't included in your monthly Social Security or SSI payment.

Each eligible recipient was to receive one payment. If you receive Social Security and SSI, you will receive only one $250 payment. However, children younger than 18 -- or 19 if still in high school -- who receive Social Security benefits aren't eligible for the $250 payment.

Since every family situation may be unique and the rules can be complicated, Mr. Astrue urged those who have questions to visit the agency's Web site.

And, speaking of families, Mr. Astrue said those who owe child support -- or owe money to state or federal agencies -- will have their payments applied to those outstanding obligations.

The economic recovery legislation also provided for one-time payment to recipients of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement Board. However, if those individuals also receive Social Security or SSI benefits, they will receive only one $250 payment.

Electric update

Jeffrey and Tammy Drischler, the Lawrenceville couple I wrote about last week, are waiting for an inspector from the city's Bureau of Building Inspection to make sure their home is ready for Duquesne Light Co. to restore electric service. They have been without electricity since October.

I received calls from electrical contractors who offered to donate their services to help the couple and a call from a reader who wanted to send money to help them pay for "wiring approval." Duquesne Light requires that "wiring approval" be done by a certified electrician licensed by the city before it will restore the electric service.

Mr. Drischler said the work was done for free by an electrician who knocked on his door last Thursday evening, explained why he was there, assessed the work that needed to be done and returned the following two days to do it. I'll have more about the electrician and the company he works for in next week's column.

Water, water

Pat Ranalli, of Stowe, said he will ask West View Water Authority to reconsider its position that he owes $186 for using 52,000 gallons of water between Dec. 5 and March 13. He and his wife, Marie, use an average of 9,000 gallons every quarter. I wrote about their problem with the authority on May 14.

Although the authority offered to give him a 25 percent allowance on the bill, reducing the amount due to $143.17, Mr. Ranalli believes the water meter in his home was defective. The authority replaced the meter but said the old one worked properly. It said the high usage was caused by a leak, but a plumber found no leaks.

A number of readers called and e-mailed their support for Mr. Ranalli and said they had similar problems with their respective water authorities.

I'll keep you posted.