Utilities around the region, including Eversource and Unitil, are warning their customers not to fall for scammers demanding immediate payment or trying steal account information.
“These individuals either threaten disconnection of energy service if an immediate payment isn’t made with a prepaid debit card, or they use deceptive marketing tactics to mine for customers’ personal account information,” Eversource said in a press release.
The companies are part of Utilities United Against Scams, a consortium of more than 100 energy companies targeting the illegal practice.
Eversource said a common scam impacting New Hampshire energy customers, especially small businesses, involves a fraudster calling and stating that due to a customer’s “delinquent” account, a truck has been dispatched to disconnect their service unless a payment is made quickly. Payment is often demanded via a gift card or prepaid debit card such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit, purchased from a local retailer.
The scammers will provide the victim with a phone number to call back with their prepaid debit card information, which they will then use to make purchases.
Rita Dube, the owner of a bed and breakfast in Milan called DuBee Our Guest, told Eversource that she “panicked” when she received a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the company threatening to shut off her service unless she made an immediate cash payment of a nearly $500.
“I was frazzled,” she said. “It was very scary. They almost had me.”
Dube said she called Eversource to verify her account was in good standing, and didn’t fall for the scam.
“The key to stopping these scammers is to stay calm. Don’t panic and don’t pay,” wrote Penni Conner, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Eversource, in a statement. “We’re urging any of our customers who receive a suspicious phone call or home visit to call us at 1-800-662-7764 to verify any request for payment or personal information.”
Eversource said it has contacted local retailers who sell prepaid debit cards to post warning signs at checkout counters, reminding people that energy companies will never request payment with a prepaid card.
“You’re being targeted by a scammer if you receive a call demanding a hasty payment with a gift card,” said Londonderry Detective Chris Olson. “Another sign is a request for payment of a high amount, much more than a monthly bill. If you know your monthly bill isn’t that high, that should be a red flag. Contact your energy company to verify a representative is who they say they are. If something seems suspicious, call the police right away.”
The Utilities United Against Scams website provides more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams. Scams and fraudulent activity can be reported to the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission at 271-2431.
