By Kathy Brown.
(Nov. 5, 2019) — Recently, I heard two stories. A resident in Haddam said, “I had a phone call about a month ago involving Eversource and Liberty Power in which the caller claimed that I had asked to be switched to Liberty and that within the hour the Liberty truck would be here to take out my Eversource meter and replace it with one for Liberty. If I did not want that to happen I needed to give them a cancellation order over the phone and the cancellation would cost me $950.” Just yesterday, a Higganum resident recounted her story, “We received a prerecorded call today from what seemed like Eversource. The message said that we needed to contact the customer service number 888-483-5020 today in order to pay our bill and stop the shut off of electricity which was scheduled for today.”
The Haddam resident contacted the state police, and the Higganum resident contacted Eversource, who indicated that they would never call regarding a shut off notice; they would notify via mail (or email, if the customer elected electronic notifications for billing).
Trooper DeAngelo gave this advice, “Your Haddam and Killingworth Resident State Troopers would like to take a few moments to provide some information pertaining to scams that will hopefully be beneficial moving forward:
“The best and most effective way to avoid falling victim to a scam is to identify the scam attempt as quickly as possible and not fall for it in the first place. Being proactive and being able to identify some of the tactics that crooks use is the best way to avoid finding yourself in an undesirable position. Never provide personal information to someone who contacts you by phone, e-mail, social media, etc.. claiming to be a representative of a company or organization that you may/may not already do business with (i.e., utility company, retailer, credit card company, etc.). This includes, but is not limited to: Social Security numbers, account passwords/PIN numbers, date of birth, account information, etc.
“For example, some common examples of scams that criminals have been known to use include:
- Receiving a phone call stating that a friend/family member is hurt or in legal trouble (often out of state or out of the country). In these instances, the scammer will often ask that you provide personal information, such as bank account information, etc. In many instances, scammers will often request victims to go to local retailers, purchase gift cards, and provide the account numbers to the scammers via phone. They will suggest that “payment” is required for bail, for example, in order to get their loved one out of jail; or to get them medical care. Always be suspicious if someone requests that you go out and purchase gift cards or send money via services such as Western Union; as these methods are essentially untraceable and when the money is gone, it’s gone. Remember, these criminals are professionals and can be very convincing!
- Receiving a phone call (usually an automated message) from someone claiming to be a representative of the IRS. Never provide personal information or Social Security numbers to anyone over the phone or via e-mail. The IRS will not contact you via phone or e-mail; correspondence will be sent via US Mail. Many scammers are using technology and automated systems to place “robo calls” to unsuspecting victims which contain information similar to what is noted here:
“This call is from the Department of Social Security Administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspended your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one. Thank you.”
OR
“We have received a notification regarding your tax filings from the headquarters which will get expired in next 24 working hours. And once it gets expired after that, you will be taken into custody by the local cops as there are more serious allegations pressed on your name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us so that we can discuss about this case before taking any legal action against you.”
Both of the above are actual examples of scams that are circulating currently. Due to advanced encryption and technology that is available to scammers, it is exceptionally difficult, if not impossible, to track them down.
Door-to-door solicitors should always have photo identification visible. They are also required to pre-register and check in with Town Hall prior to soliciting door-to-door. If you are not interested in a product/service that a solicitor is attempting to sell, you area completely justified in asking them to leave; to which they are required to comply. Should they refuse, or if their legitimacy as a representative of an actual business is questionable, please call Troop F at 860-399-2100 to report the suspicious activity. A detailed physical description of the person(s) and any vehicles that they may be traveling in is also extremely helpful to Troopers who respond to investigate.
If you do find that you have fallen victim to a scam, feel free to contact the Connecticut State Police Troop F at 860-399-2100. Troopers will be able to provide advice and instruction on how to re-secure your personal information and to hopefully prevent future scams or identity theft related crimes that criminals may attempt with the information that they may have obtained.”
Eversource has these tips:
“Protect yourself from scams. Across New England and the nation, modern scam artists are using sophisticated and intimidating tactics. Protect yourself by being vigilant, staying informed and guarding your personal information. If something seems suspicious, call us immediately toll-free at 800-286-2000. Also be sure to report this to your local law enforcement.”
Important facts you need to know
- Eversource representatives never ask for instant payment in person or over the phone.
- Eversource representatives do not require the use of pre-paid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit).
- Eversource representatives never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store, to make a payment.
- Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.
- Eversource representatives always carry company-issued photo identification and will always provide it when asked.
- Contractors working for Eversource always carry documentation explaining the nature and location of their work.
- Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice via the U.S. mail which includes the actions they can take to maintain service.
- Eversource almost never makes unsolicited house visits. Exceptions might include accessing, maintaining, or ensuring the reliable and safe operation of our equipment.
- If you’re not sure the person is an Eversource employee, call us. We’ll be glad to verify if work is scheduled at or near your home or business and the identity of the employee.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always verify a caller is legitimate by asking for some basic information about your account. Our representatives will always be able to provide the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance.
- Never immediately pay, regardless of what the caller knows about your account or offers as an incentive. If they are requesting an immediate payment using a third-party service, at another location or via a prepaid debit card, hang up immediately and contact us directly to verify your account status.
- If you are suspicious, hang up and call us at 800-286-2000. Also, please report this to your local law enforcement.
- Never wire money to someone you don’t know – regardless of the situation. Once you wire money, you cannot get it back.
- Do not accept offers from anyone, including those claiming to be Eversource employees, to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee.
- Do not click on links or call numbers that appear in unexpected emails or texts – especially those asking for your account information. If you click on a link, your computer could become infected with malware, including viruses that can steal your information and compromise your computer.
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New identity theft tactics are being utilized. Sometimes they use various methods to get all the information they need to steal an identity. They could ask for a maiden name or a favorite pet on a bogus social media quiz, an account number on a phone call, a bank’s name on an email, and an address from the insurance card in your car that you left unlocked in the driveway. Unfortunately, criminals are getting smarter each day. Stay alert.
