Police are urging residents to be vigilant after a fraudster scammed a New Canaan resident by claiming to be associated with Eversource.
The scammer phoned the resident with a number listed on caller ID as ‘Eversource Bills,’ according to a press release issued by Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
“The fraudster claimed that the resident’s electric bill was past due and that service would be shut off unless the resident made instant payment,” Krolikowski said in the press release. “The resident made several payments to the fraudster. These calls are fraudulent.”
The press release did not say how much money the resident was bilked out of. Police learned about the scam April 9, the chief said.
“For many years, this scam has been reported throughout Fairfield County and both residences as well as small businesses have been targeted,” Krolikowski said. “According to the Eversource, company representatives never demand instant payment.”
He issued the following tips:
- Never provide personal financial or utility account information to any unsolicited individual, in person, on the phone, or online, even if the individual seems legitimate.
- Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes the actions they can take to maintain service.
- Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance.
Eversource urges anyone who believes they are a target of improper solicitation to immediately contact local law enforcement. Customers are also encouraged to contact the energy company at l-800-286-2000 if they receive a call, text, email or if someone shows up at your door to verify it’s Eversource. For more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams, visit Eversource.com and the Utilities United Against Scams websites. Concerned customers can also report scams and fraudulent activity by calling the Connecticut Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Unit at 860-808-5420.