HARTFORD, Conn. — The state’s Department of Consumer Protection has an important message for Connecticut residents regarding a new scam that appears to target Eversource Customers. And DCP says United Illuminating customers should also be ready for similar tactics.
“Scammers know you may be trying to save money on your utility bill and are looking for every opportunity to take advantage of you,” DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said. “If you receive an unsolicited phone call from your utility company offering a deal that seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.”
Jared Lawrence, Eversource’s vice president for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy, says that scammers constantly change their tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Currently, he says they’re offering fake special rate discounts for seniors.
“We remind customers, if they get a call or text and something doesn’t seem right – don’t panic and don’t pay or give any personal information – and if you ever doubt who you’re talking to is legitimate, hang up and give us a call at 800-286-2000,” Lawrence said.
UI President and CEO Frank Reynolds says it is extremely unfortunate that scammers are trying to take advantage of customers, including senior citizens, to steal their identities and financial information.
“While this scam attempt appears to be primarily targeting those in the Eversource service area at this time, we urge our customers to stay vigilant,” Reynolds said. “If you receive any expected call or text from someone claiming to be with UI, please don’t hesitate to hang up and call us at the number found on your UI bill: 1-800-7222-5584.”
Reynolds says UI customer service representatives are always available to help and answer any questions customers have about their electric bills.
DCP went into detail to describe how the scam works, noting that the criminals call Eversource and UI customers, pretending to represent those companies. Scammers often offer the customer a “rate discount” for elderly residents and ask for personal information such as your name, birth date, account number and payment information.
In reality, the discount they are offering does not exist. Providing your personal information could result in identity theft and financial theft.
Upon receiving an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be an Eversource or UI employee, DCP says to hang up. Direct questions for your utility company to the number listed on your bill and report the scam to DCP here.
Don’t be ashamed if you are a victim. Contact your financial institution to freeze your accounts and reach out to one of the three major credit reporting agencies.
Visit IdentityTheft.Gov for a recovery plan, file a report with your local police department, and report the scam to DCP at the link mentioned above.
DCP offered several other tips, noting that Eversource and UI representatives don’t require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit. They’ll also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM or gift card.
Customers are never required to provide a form of payment to Eversource or UI when switching rates, and Eversource and UI representatives never request that customers meet at a department or grocery store to make a payment.
Customers should also never provide personal, financial, or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online regardless of how legitimate they seem. Neither Eversource nor UI solicits door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.
Additionally, all employees associated with either company carry photo identification, DCP says. Field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles. Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service.
Lastly, customers who doubt that a call, in-person interaction, text or email is legitimate should call their electronic company directly to confirm the authenticity of the contract, and customers should not search for their utility company’s phone number or website through a search engine. You can find contact information on your bill or the website.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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