PSEG Long Island is warning its customers to be aware of scam phone calls that threaten to turn off power to a home unless an overdue bill is paid.
The utility stated that the scam begins with someone pretending to be a PSEG employee, who calls a customer and demands immediate payment via a Green Dot prepaid debit card. The caller threatens to shut the customer’s service off if the payment is not made immediately. The fake employee provides a number for the customer to call back after they have purchased the card. When customers call this number, they are prompted to supply the prepaid debit card number to another fake PSEG representative, at which point the scammers take the money that was loaded on the card.
The callback number uses automated prompts that are similar to the ones used by the real PSEG Long Island customer service line.
“If you receive a call from anyone demanding immediate payment, do not give them any personal or account information, hang up the phone and call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025,” said Dan Eichhorn, the utility’s vice president of customer services.
PSEG offers multiple ways for its customers to pay for its service, and leaves termination as a last resort, the release noted, adding that customers are given adequate warning if they are falling behind on a payment via messages on bills, phone calls and letters.
The utility’s website also urges customers be alert for email scams demanding a payment, as well as front door scams that involve incidents of someone posing as a PSEG Long Island employee trying to gain access to customers’ homes.
on Jun 1, 2017