Eversource Sends Out Statewide Scam Reminder

BERLIN, CT — Eversource Energy officials on Wednesday sent out a warning to business and residential customers about ongoing phone and door-to-door scams.

The scammers are falsely claiming to be “representatives” or “employees” of Eversource. They have been either threatening disconnection 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, utility officials said.

This week, as part of "Utilities United Against Scams," a consortium of more than 100 energy companies, Eversource is urging its customers, "to beware of scammers and to heed law enforcement’s warnings."

Another tactic involves a "fraudster" calling and stating that due to a customer’s “delinquent” account, a truck has been dispatched to disconnect service unless a payment is made within a small time frame, Eversource officials said.

Scammers usually demand immediate payment with a prepaid debit card, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit, purchased from a local retailer, in order to stop the disconnection of services, Eversource officials said. The scammers will provide the victim with a phone number to call back with their prepaid debit card information, according to utility officials.

“The key to stopping these scammers is to stay calm — don’t panic and don’t pay,” said Penni Conner, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Eversource.

Eversource is working closely with local retailers who sell prepaid debit cards to post a warning signs at store checkout counters, reminding people that energy companies will never request payment with a prepaid card.

Local law enforcement officers are also sounding the alarm on scammers.

“Unsolicited phone calls, emails, or door-to-door contacts should be regarded as suspicious,” East Windsor Police Chief Edward DeMarco said. “Be polite but firm. Say ‘no,’ hang up, delete the email, or close the door. Never be afraid or embarrassed to call the police for help or to report a scam. These criminals are good at what they do and they prey on us, so get the help you need to protect yourself.”

Here are some reminders from eversource:

• Eversource representatives never ask for instant payment in person or over the phone.
• Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit).
• Eversource representatives never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store, to make a payment.
• Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.

Eversource officials said anyone who wants to report improper solicitation can do so at 800-286-2000. Eversource tracks concerns and reports them to state regulators.

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