Scammers Are Posing As Utility Workers
People receiving calls or emails from people claiming to represent an electric, gas or water company. In some cases the caller asks for consumer information, including account numbers, social security numbers, and dates of birth, and demand money for alleged past-due bills.
Here's some advice from NYS when receiving a call or email from an alleged scammer:
Confirm the caller.
Don't give the caller information.
Utility companies will not shut off utilities via the phone.
Utility companies do not ask for payment via gift cards, Green Dot Money-Pak, bitcoin, or wire transfer.
Don't let them in before confirming.