Fake Gas Workers LI Home Invasion Leads PSEG To Remind Proactive Steps

UNIONDALE, NY — In light of a home invasion last month in North Hills, where three men masqueraded as utility workers claiming to check on a gas leak to steal items in the home, PSEG Long Island is cautioning residents.

They want customers to be aware of how their workers dress and what they will typically do when making visits to a house.

"The safety of customers and employees is our top priority at PSEG Long Island," said Lou Debrino, vice president of Customer Operations for PSEG Long Island. "In most cases, PSEG Long Island employees do not need to come inside your home to perform their work. Most meters are located outside, as is most of the electric equipment our company maintains. Our employees always wear their PSEG Long Island ID cards. Never open the door if you have any suspicion that the person knocking is not a legitimate PSEG Long Island employee."

As for the in-person visit, PSEG Long Island said residents should look for the worker's company ID. "The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts," the utility company said.

If the customer has any doubts or concerns about the person, PSEG LI said they should not open the door.

Phone scams are another way homes and businesses can be targeted.

PSEG Long Island reminds customers to do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff: They are urged to hang up and get the truth from a real PSEG Long Island representative at 1-800-490-0025.

Additionally, customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the customer whose name is on the account. 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, likely, the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.