BERLIN, Conn. — As the holiday season approaches, Eversource warns Connecticut customers that scammers posing as utilities representatives are becoming more and more sophisticated.
The bad actors have a range of tactics, from phony calls threatening to shut off power to fake emails with bad information. Some of the criminals even pretend to be employees.
Eversource said that while their deceitful tactics may vary, their goal is always the same – stealing money and personal information from victims.
RELATED: DCP warns about scams targeting Eversource customers; United Illuminating customers are also at risk
On Wednesday, Eversource and utility providers across the country will recognize Utilities United Against Scams Day to remind customers to be aware and recognize the signs of suspicious behavior, especially as the holidays arrive.
“These bad actors have it down to a science, and they can be incredibly convincing – instilling a sense of urgency so customers feel like they don’t have time to check if the person is legitimate before following their demands,” said Founder of Utilities United Against Scams and Eversource Senior Vice President for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy Jared Lawrence.
Eversource reminded customers who notice any red flags not to be afraid to hang up or shut the door on someone who may be trying to pull a scam. If a customer interacts with a scammer, they should call Eversource at 800-286-2000 to verify the status of their account.
Another con to be cognizant of as customers shop for third-party supplies to lower their energy costs is people coming to the door and using deceptive marketing tactics to convince customers to switch energy suppliers. The only site to shop for energy in Connecticut is EnergizeCT.com.
In a release on Tuesday, Eversource offered a variety of tips to help customers stay safe.
First, Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit. They won’t ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM either, and those affiliated with Eversource will never require customers to go to a grocery store or department store to make a payment.
Also, customers should never give out personal, financial or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door or online regardless of how legitimate they seem. Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.
Eversource employees also always carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles.
Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive multiple written notices and an alert on their bill that includes information on how to maintain their service. Customers who doubt that a call, in-person interaction, text or email is legitimate should call Eversource directly at the number on their bill to confirm the authenticity of the contact.
Lastly, customers should not search for Eversource’s phone number or website through a search engine. The contact information and website will be included on their Eversource bill.
More tips and useful information can be found by clicking here to visit Utilities United Against Scams.
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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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