Thu, May 26th 2022 08:10 pm
Customers should not provide account information, Social Security numbers to callers claiming to be from National Grid
Submitted by National Grid
National Grid encourages its customers to be vigilant and protect their personal information, as reports of utility billing and payment scams increase across upstate New York.
Customers report that emails and telephone calls claiming to be from National Grid demand immediate payment for past-due balances on their utility bills. In some cases, the customer is promised savings on their next bill. Though these scams are not new, the imposters have taken additional steps to convince customers they work for National Grid.
Customers contacted in the latest scam report that the caller will provide a name, office location from where they are calling, and an identification number. In many cases, the scammers use a practice called spoofing, where the caller ID and return number will have National Grid’s name and correct phone number.
Scammers threaten to terminate the customer’s service immediately unless payment is made, either by providing bank or credit card information, or by purchasing a prepaid debit card (such as a Green Dot card), and providing the caller with the card’s account number. Businesses contacted receive a similar threat, but are asked to make Western Union money transfers. The callers have also asked for Social Security numbers and National Grid account numbers.
After obtaining the…
