PSEG Long Island Warns Customers Of Potential Scams

LONG ISLAND, NY — PSEG Long Island is warning its customers about a rise in scams of people pretending to work for the utility to get payments from residents. Scammers are pretending to work for the utility and threatening to turn of residents' power if they don't make payments.

PSEG said that more than 1,400 scam calls have been reported to it so far this year. In many cases, scammers demand immediate payment through online money transfer services. PSEG Long Island does not accept payments that way.

“Scammers do their best to create the impression of an urgent problem in the hopes that your panic will prevent you from seeing all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be,” said Rick Walden, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of customer services. “PSEG Long Island wants customers to know the signs, take a moment to think, and then contact us directly using the number on their bill if they’re still not sure.”

Scammers try to appear legitimate. Many will use spoofing technology to make their phone number seem like it's actually coming from PSEG. They will often threaten to immediately shut off power unless a payment is made.

PSEG resumed shutoffs of electricity earlier this month. However, the utility said it will only do that after multiple attempts have been made to secure payment. If the utility can't reach the customer over the phone, it will send a representative to make a final attempt to contact the customer in person to accept payment and avoid a shutoff.

If someone calls threatening to shut off the electricity, and it's the first you're hearing of it, it's most likely a scam.

The scammers typically want money through an electronic transfer, or will ask people to buy a gift card and give them the PIN to activate it. Some will even ask for cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin. PSEG Long Island does not accept any of those manners of payment.

Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The scammers may wear “uniforms” or put false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts.

PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house. An actual PSEG Long Island employee will respect the customer’s decision and remain outside, the utility said. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.

Customers with any questions about a call about payment or a person who arrived at their home are encouraged to call PSEG Long Island directly at 1-800-490-0025. The utility will be able to verify if a payment is needed, or if a representative was supposed to be at your home.

According to PSEG, a genuine representative will ask to speak to the Customer of Record when making a call. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.

If the Customer of Record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record.