BERLIN, CT - Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and Yankee Gas are asking customers to be wary of a scam that has involved customers of utilities in other parts of the country.
The scam involves prepaid “Green Dot” VISA credit cards. Callers are claiming to represent customers’ utility companies, telling them their service is scheduled to be shut off, then advising them to make a payment by purchasing a “Green Dot” VISA card. Customers are then asked to call another phone number where information is obtained from the credit card and the monetary value is removed from the “Green Dot” VISA card.
“If a customer gets a call of this nature, they can verify that it is CL&P or Yankee Gas by asking for some basic information about their account. Our customer service representatives will always be able to provide the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance,” said Sharon Eberman, director, Customer Experience Operations. “If the caller cannot provide that information, the call is not from one of our employees.
“In this case, customers should not provide any type of payment or financial information, and should call CL&P Customer Service at 1-800-286-2000 or Yankee Gas customer service at 1-800-989-0900 immediately, and local law enforcement, to report the incident,” Eberman said.
Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes the actions they can take to maintain service. CL&P and Yankee Gas do not require customers to purchase any type of pre-paid card to pay their utility bills.
Incidents such as these are also important reminders for consumers to always remain vigilant for potential fraud or identity theft, and protect their personal information. CL&P and Yankee Gas offer the following tips:
· Don’t give out information such as your Social Security number, account number or mother’s maiden name unless it is truly necessary to complete a transaction and you have verified you are speaking with an authorized company representative.
· When using online and mobile technology, use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols, and don’t give your passwords to anyone.
· Research online entities so you know who they are.
· Make sure you check your web browser and virus protection software for updates regularly.
The company websites, www.cl-p.com and www.yankeegas.com, provide more information on how to protect personal information. Consumers may also visit ftc.gov/idtheft to learn what to do if their identity is stolen or their personal or financial information has been compromised.
