SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- If you're a National Grid customer, you should be aware of potential threats posed by scam artists. The utility company has recently seen an increase in reported scams over the phone.
These reported scams follow a trend reported by utility companies across the county. National Grid and local police departments have been seeing an increase in the number of scam artists trying to gain access to account information.
The power company says that scammers are calling customers threatening to shut off gas and electric services. In many cases, the caller demands the customer make immediate payment.
The scam artist is looking to secure pre-paid debit cards and account information. National Grid is reminding customers it never demands direct payment as a prerequisite for continued service.
"What these scammers are doing are demanding payment threatening service termination if they do not purchase this prepaid debit card. So, National Grid won't accept payment through a prepaid debit card. We will accept payment through the traditional forms and that's really up to the customer to decide how they want to pay us," said Virginia Limmiatis, the National Grid spokesperson.
Officials say there's also been reports of National Grid impersonators going door to door looking for access to customers' homes.
You shouldn't allow anyone inside your home until you see proper identification and have clarification from National Grid.
If you have any concerns you can call the National Grid Customer Contact Center at 1-800-642-4272.