AG warns of National Grid billing scam

Posted 7/15/14

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and National Grid are warning Rhode Islanders that reports of a persistent utility billing scam have resurfaced in the area. Consumer warnings have been issued …

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AG warns of National Grid billing scam

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Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and National Grid are warning Rhode Islanders that reports of a persistent utility billing scam have resurfaced in the area. Consumer warnings have been issued previously, however con artists continue to carry out this scheme. The Office was contacted by a local restaurateur who was almost scammed out of nearly $1,000.  

In the most recent version, an individual claiming to be from National Grid contacted the business owner saying he was on his way to shut off the power. When disputing the delinquency, the “service technician” gave the owner a customer service number to call to clear up the issue.

When the owner contacted the phony customer service representative, they were told that the payment was returned – and the only way to override the system and prevent shutoff was immediate payment via a “Green Dot” pre-paid debit card. The so-called service rep even provided the owner with names and addresses of retailers that sell “Green Dot” cards. The customer service rep indicated the payment and the fee for the “Green Dot” card would either be refunded once the system is up and running properly or could be applied to a future bill. 

National Grid reminds business owners and residents that they may contact customers with past due bills but never demands payment over the phone. 

Customers who received calls demanding to wire money using a “Green Dot” card or asking for bank information should contact National Grid’s Customer Contact Center at 1-800-322-3223. 

Said Attorney General Kilmartin, “These illegal outfits are quick to change the con when the public becomes savvy to it, but sadly they continue to devise new techniques to scam unsuspecting, hard working business owners.”

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