News Release
Scammers Continue to Target Local Utility Customers
Springfield, Massachusetts (May 14, 2014) –WMECo is renewing its warning that scams targeting utility customers across the country are also affecting customers right here in Massachusetts. Scammers are falsely telling residents and businesses their utility company will shut off their power unless payment is made immediately.
While the scammers keep changing the scenario they use to pressure 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 or Vanilla Reload Network card) or, in the case of some business customers, by making a Western Union money transfer. Often, once the scammer believes the customer is on the way to purchase the card, they will call multiple times pressing the customer to follow through with the payment.
“We’re urging our customers to be on alert for this type of scam, and not to divulge any personal information or make payments by phone if pressured to do so in this way,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, WMECo’s parent company. “If any of our customers suspect someone is making a false claim about being a representative of WMECo, they should end the call immediately and notify us at 1-877-OK-WMECO (877-659-6326).”
WMECo representatives never demand instant payment over the phone and don’t require the use of pre-paid debit cards. Customers can verify they are speaking with a WMECo representative by asking for some basic information about their account. WMECo customer service representatives will always be able to confirm the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance. 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 customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive sufficient written notice that includes the actions they can take to maintain service. WMECo urges anyone who has any doubts about a call or a visit to contact the company directly at 1-877-OK-WMECO (877-659-6326). WMECo has several convenient payment options, including