New Scam Tactics Targeting Utility Customers: Eversource

CONNECTICUT — Scam artists are "aggressively targeting" utility customers, officials at Eversource Energy said this week.

Eversource officials are waring customers to be on the lookout for new tactics with scammers now fine tuning their techniques to including phony caller IDs that display "Eversource" and scripts that sound like a legitimate company representative threatening to disconnect electric or gas service because of an unpaid bill.

"Unfortunately, these scammers sound legitimate, and, with a phony caller ID. they're even more convincing. So we all need to have our guard up more than ever,” Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner said. "These scam artists sound sophisticated and are ruthless. That’s why we're reminding customers to beware. If they get a call and the caller's message doesn’t look or sound right, don’t panic and don’t pay.

"Remember, we will never threaten to disconnect service or demand instant payment over the phone.”

The energy company is offering the following tips to help avoid becoming a victim:

• Eversource representatives never demand instant payment over the phone, require the use of pre-paid debit cards, or request customers meet at a payment center to make the payment.
• Never provide personal financial or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door or online, even if they seem legitimate.
• Beware – some sophisticated scammers can manipulate their caller ID to say the caller is with Eversource.
• Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive a 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.

Eversource officials said they are urging customers who believe they are a targets of improper solicitation to immediately contact local or state police. Customers can also contact the energy company at 800-286-2000 if they receive a call, text, email or if someone shows up at a home claiming t0 be from Eversource.

For more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams, visit Eversource.com.

Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.27 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 246,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 216,000 customers in 52 communities across Connecticut.