PSE&G Warns of ‘Summer of Scams’
Posted August 02, 2022PSE&G is alerting customers to be wary of ongoing scams this summer. Signs of potential scam activity include:
- Threat to disconnect. Scammers may aggressively tell the customer their utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made — usually within an hour.
- Request for immediate payment. Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, a gift card or even Bitcoin, and then to call them back to make a phone payment. They may request that the customer use a payment app to make an online payment, or even give instructions for an in-person meeting.
- In person-demands. Scammers may arrive at a home or business, flash a fake ID and/or claim to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information or offer discounts, which a real PSE&G representative would not do.
- Request for card information. If a customer calls back with requested information, the scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number or gift-card PIN, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds and the victim’s money is gone.
Be wary of anyone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or fund transfer app, or instructing to send money to an out-of-state address. Never arrange payment or provide account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit/credit card information, over the telephone unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative.
Customers who doubt the legitimacy of a call or an email – especially one in which payment is requested – should call PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG (7734). For more information on scams, visit pseg.com/scamalert.