Date: April 26,
2019
Re: Eversource Phone Scam Targeting Area
Issued by: Lieutenant Jeremiah P. Marron Jr.
_______________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
The Darien Police Department is warning
residents about a phone scam that is targeting our area. The scam involves the caller posing as a
representative of Eversource CT. The caller instructs
the victim to download an app onto a computer or cell phone and wire money,
otherwise their electricity will be turned off within 30 minutes.
The following tips can help avoid
falling victim to this type of scam:
Recognize
Common Signs of a Scam
·
Threatening phone calls
demanding immediate payment to avoid shutoff, without prior notification.
·
Asking for personal or
account information.
·
Insisting on a specific,
often non-traceable, form of payment.
·
Providing an unfamiliar
callback number.
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.
If something seems suspicious,
call Eversource immediately toll-free at 800-286-2000.
Also be sure to report this to your local law enforcement.