Connecticut Officials Warning Residents About Electricity Bill Scam

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is warning members of the public about a new scam that appears to be targeting Eversource Energy customers.

United Illuminating customers should be aware of and prepared for similar tactics, officials said.

“Scammers know you may be trying to save money on your utility bill and are looking for every opportunity to take advantage of you,” DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said. “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 and in this case they’re offering a fake special rate discount for seniors, according to Jared Lawrence, Eversource’s Senior Vice President for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy.

He added, “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.”

Added IU President and CEO Frank Reynolds, “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. 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.”

State officials offered tips on how the scam works:

• Scammers are calling Eversource and United Illuminating customers, pretending to represent the electric companies.
• The imposter offers 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 personal information could result in identity theft as well as “financial” theft.

Officials also offered tips on what to do:

• Anyone receiving an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be an Eversource or United Illuminating employee should hang up.
• Those with questions can call the phone number listed on any bill or report the scam attempt to the Department of Consumer Protection at ct.gov/DCP/Complaint.

If scammed, victims “should not be ashamed” and contact their respective financial institutions to freeze your accounts, as well as one of the three major credit reporting agencies.

They can also:

Eversource and UI officials said 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.

They added:

• Eversource and UI representatives never request customers to 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 UI 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.