Suffolk PD Warns Local Businesses About Utility Company Scam

Suffolk County Police are warning residents of a scam targeting area businesses.

Several local businesses have reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be a PSEG employee who threatened to turn off the electricity if payment is not made, police said.

The caller tells victims to buy a Green Dot Money Pak card from a pharmacy or convenience store, add money to the card and provide the number on the card to the caller, according to police. The victim will usually be told that service will be shut off that day if the information is not provided, police said.

PSEG does not accept Green Dot Money Pak cards as a payment option. Suffolk County Police advise any customer in doubt of the legitimacy of any call from PSEG, especially where payment is requested, to call the utility company directly at 1-800-490-0025.

For more information on this and other scams, visit Suffolk PD’s website and click the “Scam Alert” icon. Anyone who feels they might have been a victim of this scam should contact the police.