Utility Scams Heat Up In Summer, Chester Government Warns

CHESTER, NJ — Chester Township officials are telling residents to be on the lookout for PSE&G utility scammers as the summer weather heats up.

With an overdependence on electricity during hot weather months and many customers still experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, utility scammers continue to trick customers into providing personal information and paying "unpaid bills" in order to avoid service disconnection, according to township officials.

PSE&G advised the township to remind customers to be wary of utility imposters who claim to be associated with the company. According to the company, scammers use sophisticated tactics to target vulnerable customers such as senior citizens and small business owners.

“Protecting our customers is a top priority. It is critically important we continue to raise awareness and educate customers about how to spot and stop potential scams,” said Jane Bergen, director of billing, Customer Care for PSE&G. “Scammers continue to adapt and develop increasingly sophisticated tactics to take advantage of our customers.”

Scammers increased their calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to contact utility customers, demanding immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.

"PSE&G would not send just one notification to a customer within an hour of a service disconnection. Also, we would not require payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency or third-party digital payment via fund transfer applications," said PSE&G.

Customers are urged to be cautious when identifying PSE&G employees who call or visit their homes. Ask for identification if anyone comes to your door dressed like or claiming to be a PSE&G employee, according to Township officials.

Customers can avoid falling victim to a utility scam by keeping the following information in mind:

• Be alert to the telltale sign of a scam: someone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or fund transfer app, or to send money to an out-of-state address.
• Never arrange payment or provide account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit/credit card information, over the telephone unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative.
• Customers should also know what PSE&G will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSE&G representative will ask to speak to the “Customer of Record.” If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSE&G representative.
• If the “Customer of Record” is not available, the PSE&G representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the “Customer of Record” to call 1-800-357-2262.