Crime & Safety
Nationwide Utility Bill Scam
National Grid is alerting residents and officials to the national scam.
National Grid is reminding its municipal partners and police chiefs of a nationwide utility bill scam.
National Grid electric customers have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to work for National Grid. These scammers demand payment, through a pre-paid card, on past due balances for electric accounts and threaten customers that their service will immediately be shut-off for non-payment.
In some cases the caller also tells the customer that they may have a faulty meter that is dangerous and in need of replacing for a substantial fee. The electric meter is the property of National Grid. Customers are not responsible for meter replacement costs. Callers are then directed to purchase a pre-paid card to make an immediate payment in order to keep their power on.
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National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but never demands direct payment over the telephone. If customers wish, they can arrange for a payment by check, credit card or debit card if they speak directly to a customer service representative. Payment can also be made by credit card or debit card without a representative’s assistance.
Customers who have received calls demanding immediate payment through a pre-paid card or who may have been given fraudulent phone numbers for National Grid should make note of the company’s published customer service number.
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To verify information and for any billing-related questions in New England, customers should call National Grid’s Customer Contact Center at
Customer Service (electric) 1.800.322.3223
Customer Service (gas) 1.800.640.1595
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