For Immediate Release: 09/28/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080 23099 September 28, 2023
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PSC Warns Consumers of Scammers Pretending to Be from the State Agency |
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Scammers Claim Utilities Will be Shut Off Unless Consumer Makes Immediate Payment Consumers Should be Alert and Follow Basic Tips to Protect Personal Information
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) is alerting consumers of phone calls in which scammers pretend to represent the Commission and request money over the phone. The Commission regulates electric, gas, steam, telecommunications/cable, and private water utilities in New York. The scammers claiming to be from the Commission call utility consumers with a claim that the consumers have been overcharged by their local utility, and if the consumer provides the scammers with a credit card or a bank account number, the consumer would be reimbursed for the alleged overcharge.
“These scammers are making claims about a process that simply does not exist, and it’s a flat-out falsehood,” said Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Our employees would never call consumers asking for credit card or bank account information. It is simply and plainly wrong that scammers try to defraud consumers.”
The referenced scam relates to a phone call received by a New York State employee, who immediately alerted her supervisors about the incident. If any New Yorker receives such a call, they should call or contact their utility directly if they believe there is any question about the status of the consumer’s utility service.
Utilities give repeated notices prior to terminations including reaching out to consumers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options. However, utilities do not specify that the payment must be by a prepaid card, a non-traceable money transfer, or some other non-refundable manner. If someone demands payment via a non-traceable method, or a method that is simply different than how one has successfully paid their utility bills in the past, consumers just need to pull the plug on those scams by hanging up the phone and reporting the call.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers should follow the tips below:
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