PSEG Issues Warning, Sees Uptick Of Phone Scams Targeting Small Businesses

PSE&G is urging its customers to be aware of a recent uptick in the number of reported scams in its coverage area, the company announced on Thursday

“We’ve seen an uptick in the number of phone scams being reported by customers - especially small businesses - but the scams can target anyone,” said Greg Dunlap, vice president of customer operations. “The only way to protect against these scams is for customers to be cautious when contacted by someone seeking access to their home or demanding immediate payment. Even one customer being cheated is one too many.”

Customers should be cautious of callers who demand immediate payment via a pre-paid card, and wary of phony utility workers showing up at their door to “check a problem,” PSE&G officials emphasized in a news release.

There are two types of scams that customers should be aware of, PSE&G stated.

The first is the “phone scam,” where the perpetrators use scare tactics such as threatening service termination if they do not receive immediate payment with a pre-paid credit card.

“PSE&G offers a number of payment options, and would never require a customer to use one specific type of payment,” company spokespeople stated.

The second type of scam takes place door-to-door, where perpetrators use tricks such as showing up at someone’s house dressed like a utility worker and seeking to “check a problem.”

“Often, after they gain access they burglarize the home,” PSE&G officials stated. “Always ask for ID.”

Before PSE&G terminates a customer’s service, he or she is alerted in multiple ways, such as messages on their bill, letters and phone calls, company officials stated.

When in doubt or if suspicious in any way, PSE&G urges customers to call the number listed on their bill: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) and report scamming activity to their local police department.

Information about payment assistance plans is available at www.pseg.com/help.

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Photo courtesy of PSE&G