News Release

WMECo Renews Warning to Customers of Pre-Paid Credit Card Scam

Springfield, Mass. (December 11, 2013) —WMECo is warning customers that scams targeting utility customers across the country continue to affect local residents and businesses. This holiday season scammers are once again falsely telling utility customers the company will shut off their power unless payment is made immediately. In an increasing number of cases, the scams are targeting Spanish speaking customers.

While the scammers keep changing the scenario they use to scare customers into making hasty, often large payments to keep the power on, the scheme to get the money remains basically the same. A caller tells the targeted customer the only way to keep the power on is to pay quickly using an untraceable pre-paid debit card (such as the Green Dot card) or, in the case of business customers, by making a Western Union money transfer.

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If a customer gets a call of this nature, they can verify that it is WMECo by asking for some basic information about their account. Our customer service representatives will always be able to provide the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance," said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities,WMECo’s parent company. "If the caller cannot provide that information, the call is not from one of our employees.”

WMECo representatives never demand instant payment over the phone and don’t require the use of pre-paid debit cards. And, as a reminder, WMECo employees all carry photo IDs so the company advises customers to demand to see identification during any in-person visits. WMECo urges anyone who has any doubts about a call or a visit to contact the company directly at 1-877-OK-WMECo (1-877-659-6326.)

WMECo customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive sufficient written notice that includes the actions they can take to maintain service. WMECo has several convenient payment options, including a list of authorized retailers for those who wish to pay in person. The company also has payment options for customers having financial difficulty. Payment options are listed at:
http://www.wmeco.com/residential/paymentassistance.aspx

Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), transmits and delivers electricity to 210,000 customers in 59 cities and towns. For more information, please visit our website: www.wmeco.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/WMECo) and follow us on Twitter @wmeco.

CONTACT:
Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
priscilla.ress@nu.com

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