Chief’s Column: Beware the ‘National Grid’ scam
The Grafton Police Department has received complaints of scams involving imposters posing as National Grid representatives contacting residents demanding payment for overdue bills. The “representative” demands payment of the bill through prepaid cards threatening to turn off power if payment is not made immediately. National Grid has posted warnings of these scams however, to ensure that everyone is informed, we are providing a copy of the scam information issued by National Grid. This and more information may be found at nationalgridus.com/Scam.
Scam Awareness and Preparedness
Recently, we have seen an increased volume of reported scam attempts concerning both residential and business customers. When contacted by a person claiming to represent National Grid, we encourage customers to always verify their identity to protect yourself against scams.
For more information, please see our FAQs below.
Scam Awareness and Preparedness Frequently Asked Questions:
I have received collection phone calls from National Grid in the past, how do I know if the collection phone call I am receiving is legitimate?
National Grid may ask for a payment over the phone, but will leave the method of payment to the customer. National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other pre-paid card service. Never — under any circumstances — offer personal or financial information to someone who you cannot identify.
How do I verify the person I am dealing with over the phone or in person is a National Grid employee?
If you are dealing with someone over the phone, please note that National Grid representatives will know your account number; never offer that information to a caller. Ask the caller to provide the last five digits of your National Grid account number. If the caller doesn’t know your account number and you have any doubt the caller is a National Grid representative, or if they have any questions about account balance and fish for help, take charge and hang up immediately. Call National Grid or local law enforcement officials.
If you are dealing with someone in person, please note that every National Grid employee carries a photo ID card, and any contractor doing work for the company is also required to carry ID. If someone requesting entry into your home or place of business does not show an ID card, don’t let that person in and call your local law enforcement.
What are some of the current scams that have been reported to National Grid?
National Grid has been alerted of scammers that will contact customers via phone or in person and claim to be from National Grid. Although tactics may vary, many scam reports include someone claiming to be from National Grid and will inform the customer that they have a past due balance on their utility bill. Scammers will demand payment, make threats to turn off power, and try to rush customers into making an immediate payment. Similar scams have been reported by utility customers across the U.S.
Scammers may also contact customers via email and attempt to lure recipients into clicking on a link, visiting a malicious website, revealing account information, or calling a phone number. Learn more about protecting yourself from email scams at: ic3.gov/Media/Y2019/PSA190610.
Along with this, we continue to receive several reports of phone scams, including robocalls offering 25 percent off future bills. These calls are not officially from National Grid and are used as a way for scammers to obtain account information.
What should I do if I believe I have come in contact with, or have fallen victim to a scam?
If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, contact National Grid and report the scam to your local law enforcement officials and the Attorney General’s office immediately.
Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.
Chief of Police
