National Grid: Beware of Payment Scam

National Grid is warning customers about a nationwide utility bill scam.

It works like this:

National Grid electric customers receive a telephone call from individuals claiming to work for the company. These scammers demand payment, through a pre-paid card, on past due balances for electric accounts, according to the utility.

They also threaten customers that their service will immediately be shut off for non-payment.

In some cases, the caller also tells the customer that they may have a faulty meter that is dangerous and in need of replacing for a substantial fee. Electric meters are the property of National Grid. Customers are not responsible for meter replacement costs, according to the utility.

For any of the above, callers are then directed to purchase a pre-paid card to make an immediate payment to keep their power on.

National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but the company never demands direct payment over the telephone, according to the utility. 

If customers wish, they can arrange for a payment by check, credit card or debit card if they speak directly to a customer-service representative. Payment can also be made by credit card or debit card without a representative’s assistance.

Customers who have received calls demanding immediate payment through a pre-paid card or who may have been given fraudulent phone numbers for National Grid should make note of the company’s published customer service number.

To verify information and for any billing-related questions in New England, customers should call National Grid’s Customer Contact Center at 1-800-322-3223.