{"id":120337,"date":"2022-05-16T11:29:19","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T15:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=120337"},"modified":"2022-05-16T11:30:11","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T15:30:11","slug":"national-grid-warns-customers-of-potential-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=120337","title":{"rendered":"National Grid warns customers of potential scams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Customers should not provide account information, Social Security numbers to callers claiming to be from National Grid<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Grid encourages its customers to be vigilant and protect their personal information, as reports of utility billing and payment scams increase across upstate New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers report that emails and telephone calls claiming to be from National Grid demand immediate payment for past due balances on their utility bills. In some cases, the customer is promised savings on their next bill. Though these scams are not new, the imposters have taken additional steps to convince customers they work for National Grid. Customers contacted in the latest scam report that the caller will provide a name, office location from where they are calling, and an identification number. In many cases, the scammers use a practice called spoofing, where the caller ID and return number will have National Grid\u2019s name and correct phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scammers threaten to terminate the customer\u2019s service immediately unless payment is made, either by providing bank or credit card information, or by purchasing a prepaid debit card (such as a GreenDot card) and providing the caller with the card\u2019s account number. Businesses contacted receive a similar threat, but are asked to make Western Union money transfers. The callers have also asked for Social Security numbers and National Grid account numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After obtaining the prepaid debit card, customers are directed to call a toll-free number, which replicates National Grid\u2019s recorded messaging and automated operator to simulate an authentic communication with the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scenario may vary, but the scam\u2019s goals remain the same: scare customers into making hasty decisions that include large financial payments and revealing sensitive personal information. Similar scams have been reported across the U.S. by other utilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Grid reminds customers that while it does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, it never demands direct payment through the use of a prepaid debit card and never accepts payment through these cards. National Grid also never demands payment with the threat of immediate disconnection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers who believe they have fallen victim to the scam should contact local law enforcement officials immediately. If you are provided a phone number that does not match numbers on the billing statements, it is likely that the call is a scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Grid reminds customers to know the red flags and offers the following tips: <\/p>\n\n\n\n