The New Year is in full swing and so are scams that target utility customers across the country and right here in Connecticut. Already in 2016, residents and businesses in several towns around the state have been targeted. While the scammers keep changing the scenario, the scheme to get people to “pay up” remains basically the same. The scammers, often sounding legitimate and quite convincing, threaten to shut off electric service immediately unless instant payment is made by a prepaid debit card. So Eversource and Connecticut Better Business Bureau are warning customers to beware and know the tell-tale signs of the scams so they can avoid becoming victims.
“These scammers can be relentless but they’re only successful if they catch our customers off guard and scare them into making a payment,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Eversource. “If anyone suspects that someone is impersonating an Eversource representative, they should contact us immediately and report it to local police. The key to stopping these scammers in their tracks is – don’t panic and don’t pay.”
With the continued growth of fraud aimed at consumers and businesses across the country, Better Business Bureau recently launched BBB Scam Tracker, an interactive national tracking system that provides up-to-date information on the latest swindles. Scam Tracker shows the volume and types of fraud across the country and in any given neighborhood. The online system also contains a link to report suspicious activities to alert other consumers. No personal information is required. BBB also recommends talking to family members about scams, so that can avoid becoming victims.
“This scam is similar to other criminal activity that targets consumers, using intimidation to get people to pay,” says Howard Schwartz, Connecticut Better Business Bureau Executive Communications Director, Howard Schwartz. “The good news is that when we warn businesses and residents, and educate them about how these schemes work, the better protected we are.”
Tips to help avoid becoming a victim:
- Eversource representatives never demand instant payment over the phone, don’t require the use of pre-paid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit prepaid cards) and never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a Walmart or Big Y grocery store to make the payment.
- Never provide personal or financial information to anyone over the phone, at the door or online, even if they seem legitimate.
- Customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notices that include information on how to maintain their service.
- Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address and the exact past due balance.
Eversource accepts several methods of payment and has multiple convenient payment options for its customers. The company urges anyone who has doubts about the legitimacy of a call, visit or offer, to contact the company directly at 1-800-286-2000. Eversource.com provides more information on how to protect personal information and avoid being a victim of utility scams.
About Connecticut BBB
Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB helps consumers find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust, offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.
