Putnam Sheriff Warns Of Summer Phone Scam

Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. advises that citizens should be aware of a NYSEG “Green Dot Money Paks” Phone Scam. Over the past few years, during the summer months, local businesses in Putnam County have received phone calls from someone who claims to be a representative from New York State Electric and Gas.

The scammer insists the business is behind in their electricity bill. The con artist then warns the business that to avoid having their electric service from being shut off, they have to make payment immediately. The scammer then instructs the businesses that the only way to avoid an interruption of service is to purchase a “Green Dot Money Pak” and provide the card information.

These scam phone calls are usually received during busy hours of operation, making it more urgent for businesses to comply with the phony caller’s demand. In addition, these scams are perpetrated during the warm summer months, when the loss of refrigeration, due to service interruption, adds pressure.

NYSEG officials are aware of this scam and said customers should know their company never calls a customer who is in good standing, or ever asks for payment by debit card.

Customers who need to make an urgent payment or who need to see if their account is properly credited, should call NYSEG at 1-800-600-2275. Customers, who have any questions about a call they have received for an overdue payment, are instructed to call 1-800-572-1111.

Also, “Anyone believing that they have been victimized by this scam is asked to report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/ , their local police or the Sheriff’s Office at 845-225-4300,” Langley said.

Image via Shutterstock