Essex County Restaurant Sees ‘PSEG Scam’ Attempt, Owner Says

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Bloomfield restaurant is advising other members of the Essex County business community to beware of a potential scam involving fake “PSE&G employees” after they were allegedly almost victimized during their busy lunch hour earlier this week.

On Monday, the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce shared a social media post from the owner of Anthony’s Cheesecake in Bloomfield that detailed the alleged scam attempt.

“PSE&G scam hit us again during busy lunch hour at our restaurant,” owner Anthony Lauro wrote on Facebook. “Was told they didn't receive our payment and someone would be at our place in an hour to shut down our electric if we didn't pay. Wasn't going to fall for it again so I took their number and to make sure I called my bank and PSE&G to confirm if my last bill was paid. What is amazing is how professional these scammers are transferring me to the ‘billing’ department... Even ‘PSE&G’ showed up on my caller ID.”

Lauro added that the real PSE&G representatives later told him that scammers may be using a phone app that allows them to call with a PSE&G number.

“Just be careful,” Lauro advised. “They got us last year but never again.”

• See related article: PSEG Issues Warning, Sees Uptick Of Phone Scams Targeting Small Businesses

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