If you get a call from your utility company saying your service is about to be shut off because you’re behind on a payment, hang up the phone!
It’s probably a scammer. But, even if it really is your utility company, and you call them back on the number on your bill and talk to them directly, they won’t be offended.
Recently there has been a rise in calls targeting utility customers and Eversource wants to warn its customers about these scams. Fraudsters may threaten to cut your power if you don’t make an immediate payment.
The utility posted audio of a scam attempt on its Facebook page.
“This is an important message from your electric company to inform you that your service will be suspended in the next few minutes. We have had numerous attempts to contact you, but you do not answer the call. If you decide to speak with a representative, please press 1. For more information, press 2. End of messages.
Eversource spokesperson Chris McKinnon says not a day goes by in the utility industry where customers are not being targeted by scammers.
“I think bottom line here is that any time that you get a call or text or an email out of the blue or even if someone shows up at your door,” says McKinnon, “and you don’t expect them to be there or you don’t expect that point of contact, you should definitely have the antennas going up, making sure you’re alert and saying, no, not right now. I’m not going to give you payment….
