Rome PD Warns of Utility Scam in CNY

Rome PD warns of a new “Utility Scam” where a caller claiming to be from National Grid tells you your past due on your utility bill.

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, contact National Grid and the Attorney General’s office immediately.

A way to protect yourself if you receive a call from National Grid is to ask for the last five digits of your account number as this is something they should have.

***As with any questionable phone calls, NEVER allow someone to convince you to pay money via wire transfer or ANY type of pre-paid card/ gift card. A large majority of scams will request one of these payment options. NEVER give out Social Security numbers or any personal information over the phone to someone you cannot verify.***

National Grid urges customers to be cautious of scammers and offers the following tips:

• -National Grid representatives will know your account number; never offer that information to a caller
• Ask the caller to provide the last five digits of your National Grid account number. If the caller doesn’t know your account number and you have any doubt the caller is a National Grid representative, or if they have any questions about account balance and fish for help, take charge and hang up immediately. Call National Grid.
• National Grid may ask for a payment over the phone but will leave the method of payment to the customer.
  National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other pre-paid card service.
• Never -- under any circumstances -- offer personal or financial information to someone who you cannot identify.
• Every National Grid employee carries a photo ID card, and any contractor doing work for the company is also required to carry ID. If someone requesting entry into your home or place of business does not show an ID card, don’t let that person in and please call National Grid or your local law enforcement.