The new scam attempts reported involve a call explaining
that an overcharge has been made to the customer’s account and offers a future
bill credit. The caller then asks customers to provide further information.
Additionally, customers have reported calls threatening to cut service unless
an immediate payment is made over the phone.
Any customer who is uncertain whether a call is genuine or
has questions about the status of their account is encouraged to call the phone
number provided on their bill. The companies also offered customers some
additional helpful tips:
• The
companies will never demand customers to purchase debit cards such as Green Dot
cards to make payments. NYSEG and RG&E accept a variety of payment methods,
and Customer Care representatives will work with individual customers to help
them pay down outstanding balances and maintain service.
• NYSEG and
RG&E have temporarily suspended disconnections related to non-payment.
Therefore, any call threatening disconnection is a sure sign of a scam.
• If unsure
of the identity of the caller, ask for the last five digits of the account. If
they do not have this information, hang up and alert local authorities. Never
give out personal or account information to a caller.
• NYSEG and
RG&E employees and contractors carry company-issued photo ID with a unique
employee number. Ask for ID before providing personal or account information or
granting access to your property. If you are not certain, call to confirm using
the number on your bill or the company’s website.
• Be
suspicious of unexpected emails from NYSEG or RG&E, especially if you’re
not an eBill customer, and think twice before clicking links. If you’re not
certain, you can make credit card payments, check balances and find other
information at nyseg.com and rge.com.
• When making
a payment by phone, always use company phone numbers: NYSEG customers can call
800.600.2275. RG&E customers can call 800.295.7323.
