NYSEG and RG&E are warning customers about a rise in increasingly sophisticated utility scams.
The companies say scammers are posing as utility workers and using aggressive tactics to pressure customers into giving up personal information.
“Our customers’ security matters; we take it seriously,” said NYSEG and RG&E CEO Patricia Nilsen. “We’re dedicated to our customers’ well-being, and we’ve put protective measures in place to guard our customers’ personal information.”
According to the companies, scammers may contact customers by phone, email, or text, or even show up in person. Common tactics include phishing emails, spoofed phone calls known as vishing, and fraudulent text messages, or smishing.
NYSEG and RG&E say customers should watch for red flags such as threats of immediate service disconnection, overpayment refund schemes, meter payment demands, and door-to-door impostors.
The utilities stressed that they will never ask customers to email personal or financial information, install software on a computer, or make payments using prepaid or Green Dot cards. They also said they do not shut off service without prior notice or go door-to-door asking to see customer bills.
Company representatives and contractors always carry official photo identification and will provide it upon request. Customers are encouraged to use only official payment channels and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Anyone unsure about the identity of a caller or visitor should contact customer service directly. NYSEG customers can call 800-572-1111, and RG&E customers can call 800-743-2110.
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