Scam Alert: Rhode Island AG Warns About Utility Scam

RHODE ISLAND — There's been an uptick in the number of scammers posing as bill collectors in Rhode Island, according to the Rhode Island attorney general and utility National Grid.

The most recent scam is an automated phone message that tells listeners they are from National Grid. The message informs consumers that they have a past due balance on their account and their power will be shut off in 30 to 40 minutes unless they make an immediate payment by phone.

"Calls to our consumer protection team about these types of scams have increased during the pandemic, as fraudsters try to prompt a reaction from Rhode Islanders who are genuinely worried about the status of these essential services," said Attorney General Peter Neronha in a statement. "The way to protect yourself is simple. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone, even if the caller tells you they are from a legitimate business – like National Grid."

Scammers are using a variety of methods these days to prey on their victims including phone calls, texts, email solicitation, or in-person visits. Similar scams of trying to rush payments have been reported by utility customers across the United States.
"Even in the midst of a pandemic there continues to be nefarious actors looking to take advantage of both our residential and business customers," said Terry Sobolewski, president of National Grid Rhode Island. "We urge our customers to remain vigilant. If you believe you are current on your National Grid account, it's very likely a call seeking payment is not being truthful. Hang up and call our customer service line to confirm you are in good standing and report the scam."

Tips from the Attorney General and National Grid:
For suspected phone scams:
• Customers should always contact National Grid using the toll-free telephone numbers listed on the billing statement. If you are provided a phone number that does not match the numbers on the billing statement, the call may very well be a scam.
• Be vigilant. If you believe you are current on your National Grid account, it is highly likely a call seeking payment is not valid. Hang up and call the customer service number listed on your billing statement.
• Verify you are speaking with a National Grid representative. One way to do this is to ask the representative to confirm the last five digits of your National Grid account number, which they should always have available.
• If the caller doesn't know your account number, and you have any doubt the caller is a National Grid representative, or if they have any questions about account balance and are fishing for information, take charge and hang up immediately. Call National Grid or the Office of the Attorney General.
• National Grid representatives will know your account number; never offer that information to a caller.
• National Grid may ask for a payment over the phone but will leave the method of payment to the customer.
• National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, pre-paid debit cards, iTunes cards, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other pre-paid card service.
• Never -- under any circumstances -- offer personal or financial information to someone who you cannot identify.
For suspected door-to-door scams:
• Every National Grid employee carries a photo ID card, and any contractor doing work for the company is also required to carry ID. If someone requesting entry into your home or place of business does not show an ID card, don't let that person in and please call National Grid or your local law enforcement.
• Whenever in doubt, don't hesitate to call National Grid or your local law enforcement.
• For more information visit: ngrid.com/scam.
Customers who have received suspicious calls can call National Grid's Customer Contact Center to answer any billing questions at 1-800-322-3223.
To report the scam to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit, call 401-274-4400 or email consumers@riag.ri.gov.