New Utility Bill Scam Circulating, Sudbury Police Warn

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury police are warning local residents about a scam circulating in New England targeting utility customers.

According to police, a scammer posing as a National Grid representative stole $800 from a Rhode Island woman recently. The thief said threatened to shut off the woman's gas and electric service if she didn't immediately wire the money.

The woman was instructed to use the money transfer app Zelle to send the cash, according to Sudbury police. The scammer even called back to try to get a second $800 payment, saying the first one didn't go through, according to WJAR.

National Grid doesn't provide electrical service to communities east of Marlborough, but Sudbury police said the scam could be wider than that utility's service area.

Due to Gov. Charlie Baker's state of emergency order over coronavirus, utility companies are generally not allowed to shut off service.