BERLIN – Eversource said businesses and residential customers across the state are being targeted by scammers who have been going door-to-door pretending to be Eversource employees or representatives of the utility.
Eversouce said that all of their employees carry proper identification and would never go door-to-door or speak on the phone on behalf of a third-party energy supplier. All Eversource employees carry company-issued identification, and any electrical contractors working with Eversource carry documentation explaining the nature and location of their work. Eversource said customers can always call them at 1-800-286-2000 to verify information.
“If anyone suspects that someone is impersonating an Eversource representative, they should contact us immediately and report it to local police,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Eversource in statement released Thursday afternoon.
- Eversource also offered these tips to help avoid becoming a victim:
- Eversource representatives never demand instant payment in-person or over the phone, don’t require the use of pre-paid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit cards) and never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store, to make the payment.
- Never provide a copy of your bill, personal financial or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door or online, even if they seem legitimate.
- Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes 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.
- If you don’t feel comfortable, close the door or hang up the phone.