National Grid Warns Customers About Utility Scams

National Grid is alerting customers to be aware of scams targeting residents and businesses across its service territory following a recent uptick in reports from customers about utility scams, including a report in Clarksburg of door-to-door salespeople asking to see customers’ bills under the false pretense that they are representing National Grid.

National Grid has provided the following tips for how to identify and avoid scams.

Signs of a Utility Scam

• You’re asked for your account number and/or personal or financial information.
• You’re threatened with immediate service shutoff without any prior notice.
• You receive a request for payment when you’re current on your account.
• You are pressured to make an immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot MoneyPak, prepaid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrency, or a third-party digital payment app.

Tips for Avoiding Scams

• Always verify you are speaking with a National Grid representative.
  • Every National Grid employee carries a photo ID badge, and contractors working for the company are also required to carry ID.
  • If someone requesting entry into your home or business does not show identification as a National Grid employee or contractor, do not let that person in. Instead, call National Grid or local law enforcement.

• Do not cave to pressure to share personal or financial information.
  • Scammers will not have access to your account information, social security number or other personal details and you should never offer that information if asked.
  • National Grid representatives will know your account number; if the caller cannot validate your account number listed on your bill, it is likely a scam.
  • When in doubt, hang up immediately and report the incident to National Grid or local law enforcement.
  • You can instead sign into your account directly through www.nationalgridus.com.
  • You can also ensure you’re signed up for National Grid emails by enrolling on the company home page under Your Account and be sure to add nationalgrid@emails.nationalgridus.com to your contact list.

• Do not fall for scare tactics and threats requiring immediate payment.
  • National Grid will never contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot, MoneyPak or any other prepaid card service.
  • While National Grid may ask for a payment to be made over the phone, the payment method will be left to the customer’s discretion.
  • National Grid also never demands payment with the threat of immediate disconnection.

To learn more about protecting you and your loved ones from scams, please visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/Our-Company/Scam-Alert.