DCP has received multiple reports of calls to consumers offering “discounts” on electric rates. This is a scam.
HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection is warning the public about a new scam that appears to target Eversource customers. United Illuminating customers should be aware of and prepared for similar tactics.
“Scammers know you may be trying to save money on your utility bill and are looking for every opportunity to take advantage of you,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “If you receive an unsolicited phone call from your utility company offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
“Scammers are constantly changing their tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting customers – in this case they’re offering a fake special rate discount for seniors,” said Jared Lawrence, Eversource Senior Vice President for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy. “We remind customers, if they get a call or text and something doesn’t seem right – don’t panic and don’t pay or give any personal information – and if you ever doubt who you’re talking to is legitimate, hang up and give us a call at 800-286-2000.”
“It is deeply unfortunate that scammers would try to take advantage of our customers, particularly our elderly customers, to steal their identities and financial information,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of United Illuminating. “While this scam attempt appears to be primarily targeting those in the Eversource service area at this time, we urge our customers to stay vigilant. If you receive any expected call or text from someone claiming to be with UI, please don’t hesitate to hang up and call us at the number found on your UI bill: 1-800-722-5584. Our Customer Service Representatives are always here to help and to answer any questions you may have about your electric bill.”
How This Scam Works:
- Scammers are calling Eversource and United Illuminating customers, pretending to represent the electric companies.
- The imposter offers the customer a “rate discount” for elderly residents.
- The scammer then asks for personal information such as your name, birth date, and account number, as well as payment information, in order to access the discount.
- The discount does not exist, and providing your personal information could result in identity theft as well as financial theft.
What You Should Do:
- If you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be an Eversource or United Illuminating employee, hang up.
- If you have questions for your utility company, call the phone number listed on your bill.
- Report the scam attempt to the Department of Consumer Protection at ct.gov/DCP/Complaint.
If You Are a Victim:
- Don’t be ashamed.
- Contact your financial institution to freeze your accounts, as well as one of the three major credit reporting agencies.
- Visit IdentityTheft.Gov for a recovery plan.
- File a report with your local police department.
- Report the scam to the Department of Consumer Protection at ct.gov/DCP/Complaint.
Additional tips:
- Eversource and United Illuminating representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit. They will also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM or a gift card.
- A customer is never required to provide a form of payment to Eversource or United Illuminating when switching rates.
- Eversource and UI representatives never request customers meet at a department or grocery store to make a payment.
- Customers should never provide personal, financial, or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online, even if they seem legitimate.
- Eversource and United Illuminating do not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.
- All Eversource and UI employees carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles.
- Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service.
- Customers who doubt a call, in-person interaction, text, or email is legitimate should call their electric company directly to confirm the authenticity of the contact.
- Customers should not search for their utility company’s phone number or website through a search engine. You can find contact information, including the website, on your bill.