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Protecting Yourself Against Scams: PSEG Long Island's Alerts for Consumers

As National Consumer Protection Week approaches, running from March 2nd to March 8th, PSEG Long Island is taking significant steps to remind its customers of the prevalence of scams targeting utility users. With the rise of digital communication and online services, scammers are increasingly sophisticated in their methods, pushing individuals to act quickly and carelessly when they perceive a threat, especially regarding their utility services.

Lou DeBrino, the Vice President of Customer Operations at PSEG Long Island, emphasizes the importance of recognizing common scam tactics. He states, "If someone threatens to immediately cut off your power, it's crucial to stop and verify before taking any action. Always reach out to PSEG Long Island using the number printed on your bill for confirmation rather than acting out of panic."

Common Scams to Be Aware Of

1. Impersonation Calls: Scammers frequently impersonate PSEG Long Island representatives, threatening immediate power shutoffs unless quick payments are made. These anti-consumer tactics often rely on fake Caller ID, making it appear as though the call is genuinely from PSEG Long Island.

2. Unusual Payment Requests: Many scammers request payments via unconventional methods, such as web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards, or even cryptocurrencies. It is essential to remember that PSEG Long Island does not accept payments through these channels.

3. Door-to-Door Scams: In-person impersonators may come to your home, claiming to be company employees to obtain personal information or demanding payments ahead of scheduled services. Customers should always verify an individual's identity by calling the official PSEG Long Island number.

4. Phony Websites: Some fraudsters create websites that resemble the legitimate PSEG Long Island page, tricking consumers into entering personal and payment information. To avoid falling victim to these scams, customers should ensure they are on the correct site, specifically using the “.com” domain.

Protecting Yourself

PSEG Long Island outlines several important steps customers can take to safeguard themselves:

• - Verify Before You Act: If you receive threats about immediate service shutoffs, call PSEG Long Island directly to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
• - Recognize Legitimate Communication: PSEG representatives will never ask for customers to provide payment through specific channels or demand personal information over the phone. Confirming calls should always occur from the Customer of Record.
• - Don't Let Strangers In: If you receive a visit from someone claiming to represent PSEG Long Island, do not let them in without verification. Authentic employees will present proper identification and allow customers to validate their identity before entering the premises. Always opt to call the customer service number to confirm.
• - Report Suspected Scams: If you suspect that a communication is a scam, reporting it to PSEG Long Island can help them track fraudulent activities and prevent others from being victimized. Their association with Utilities United Against Scams has already led to the shutdown of thousands of scam numbers.

Conclusion

Consumer Protection Week not only emphasizes the need for consumers to remain vigilant against fraud but also illustrates the necessity of education on the part of utility companies to alert customers of potential dangers. As the digital landscape evolves, awareness remains the best defense against these deceptive practices. For detailed information on reported scams or to seek assistance, visit PSEG Long Island's official website. Staying informed and cautious can help ensure that you and other customers don’t fall prey to these fraudulent schemes.