JCP&L, Berkeley's Electric Company, Warns Of Phone Scam

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley customers, be aware: Jersey Central Power & Light warned of a scam targeting the electric company's customers.

A caller has been posing as JCP&L and threatening to shut off power unless the customer makes an immediate payment through a prepaid debit card such as a Green Dot card.

Although the company does call customers to remind them a payment is overdue, JCP&L representatives explain different payment options. And if your account is past due, you will receive a written notice on your account status with instructions on how to avoid disconnection.

If you receive a call demanding immediate payment using a specific option, contact JCP&L at 1-800-662-3115. It was not immediately clear whether this scam has been prevalent recently of whether JCP&L was sending a general warning.

JCP&L lists common scams on its website. One of which is a caller threatening to shut off your power if you don't make an immediate payment. This scam frequently targets small businesses, JCP&L says.

Here's what JCP&L says you should do:

• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.
• Be aware that scammers often use Caller ID spoofing software to misrepresent the source of a phone call, or provide you with a fake "verification" phone number. These call-back numbers may even include exact replicas of company greetings and hold messaging. If you would like to verify your account status, always call our Customer Service department using the numbers on our website, or log in to your account on our website.
• If a person appears at your door demanding payment, do not allow them into your home, and do not provide them any personal information.
• If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, please contact your local police department or your state attorney general's office, and report telephone scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
• If you have purchased a Green Dot card to pay your electric bill and would like to request a refund from Green Dot/MoneyPak, visit www.moneypak.com/refundrequest.aspx.

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