Eversource Warns Monroe Customers of Phone Scam

MONROE, CT — The utility Eversource is warning its customers of a phone scam targeting customers in its coverage area.

“The scammers, often sounding legitimate and quite convincing, threaten to shut off electric service immediately unless instant payment is made,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “These scammers can be relentless but they’re only successful if they catch our customers off-guard and scare them into making a payment. We remind customers, if something doesn’t sound right or feel right, trust your gut, and don’t pay.”

Eversource is advising its customers to familiarize themselves with the Better Business Bureau's ScamTracker, a national tracking system that provides up-to-date information on the latest scams. The tool allows consumers to submit scam reports and see what scams are happening right in their backyard. The BBB uses ScamTracker to investigate when increased fraudulent activity is reported in a particular area.

“One similarity in many scams, including utility scams, is a sense of urgency. Scammers often convince consumers that payment must be made immediately and that is always a red flag,” says Better Business Bureau Spokesperson for Connecticut Luke Frey. “The more we educate consumers on the basic red flags of a scam, the least likely they are to become victims.”

The utility id offering the following tips to help avoid becoming a victim:

• Eversource representatives never demand instant payment over the phone, require the use of prepaid debit cards or request customers meet at a payment center to make the payment.
• Never provide personal financial or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door or online, even if they seem legitimate.
• Beware, some sophisticated scammers can manipulate their caller ID to say the caller is with Eversource.
• Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive a written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service.

Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance.

Eversource urges anyone who has doubts about the legitimacy of a call, visit or an offer, to contact the company directly at 1-800-286-2000.