Utilities Warn Rocklanders Of Scammers As Spring Approaches

PEARL RIVER, NY — Water and electric company officials are warning Rockland residents about scams proliferating — both in person and on the phone —as the pandemic continues and spring approaches.

"This is chronic activity that goes on this time of year. We are trying to get out ahead of it," O&R spokesman Mike Donovan told Patch.

Phone scams

If a caller demands that you pay your utility bill immediately by pre-paid debit card and threatens to disconnect your power immediately if you do not, hang up the phone. The caller is a crook trying to steal your money.

This is an organized, serious professional criminal enterprise that steals tens of thousands of dollars each year by successfully pulling this con on people who can’t afford to lose this money.

If someone calls you, says they are an O&R employee and threatens to shut off your electric or gas service that day if not immediately paid through a pre-paid debit card, here’s what to do:

• Hang Up – Disengage so you’re not further subjected to the fraudulent high-pressure “sales pitch.”
• Ignore Texts – After you hang up on them, the more aggressive predatory callers will try to repeat their shutoff threat by texting you. Ignore the threat.
• Don’t Hit “Redial” – The caller ID screen on your phone for the phony bill collector’s call may read “Orange and Rockland Utilities” but that’s a hi-tech bogus copy of the utility company’s number. That’s not O&R. Do not redial, and don’t call the number that the caller gives you to call them back. That will reconnect you to the crook.

In-person scams

Customers should insist on closely examining the identification of any individual claiming to be from the water company or any other utility.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, SUEZ for example will only be entering customer homes when absolutely necessary.

"For your protection, all SUEZ employees wear uniforms and photo identification badges with the SUEZ name and logo," said Nadine Leslie, CEO of SUEZ North America. "If there is any reason for a SUEZ employee to come to your home, look for this identification with an appreciation that only a water-related emergency would require SUEZ to knock on your door during this public health crisis."

Customers should also look for white SUEZ vehicles parked at the curb that prominently feature the company’s bright green logo and dark blue lettering.

"False identification scams too often harm citizens who unknowingly allow individuals to enter their homes posing as maintenance personnel," Leslie said. "Some of our communities have larger senior populations who are particularly vulnerable so we are seeking to raise awareness among our customers that this threat requires diligence."

What's true: Disconnecting service for non-payment of bills involves a multi-step process – including written communications. That process is regulated by the NYS Public Service Commission.