National Grid is warning their customers to stay vigilant and to protect their personal information as there has been an increase in utility billing and payment scams occurring in Upstate New York.
Reports by customers come in of emails and also telephone calls of someone claiming to be from National Grid and demanding immediate payment for past due balances on their accounts. The scammer then promises a savings on their next bill if they comply.
National Grid says the scams are not new, but the scammers have taken additional steps to convince their potential victim that they work for the company. Reports by customers show the scammer will provide a name, office location on where they’re calling from, and an ID 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.” National Grid said in a release.
If the victim doesn’t comply with the scammers demands, they are then threatened to have their service terminated unless they receive payment. They ask for payment by either bank or credit card information, or purchasing a prepaid debit card and providing the account number. Scammers have also asked for the victims Social Security numbers and National Grid account numbers.
“National Grid reminds customers that while it does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, it never demands direct payment through the use of a prepaid debit card and never accepts payment through these cards. National Grid also never demands payment with the threat of immediate disconnection.” National Grid continued.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim to the scam should contact their local law enforcement immediately. If you’re given a phone number that does not match the numbers on your billing statement, it is more likely that the call is a scam.
