Residents are being warned about scams targeting utility customers, including recent schemes involving individuals posing as PSE&G representatives, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Scammers may contact customers via text message, email, or phone call, claiming that service terms have changed, a payment is overdue, or a credit is available, authorities said. These messages often include links to websites with subtle typos or misspelled words.
In one payment scam, a caller impersonating a PSE&G representative tells the customer that a technician is scheduled to disconnect service for nonpayment. The caller may confirm the customer’s address and instruct them to call 1‑88‑588‑9167 and press option 1 to speak with a manager to resolve the issue.
The scam can be used to steal passwords and personal information, the prosecutor’s office warned.
Residents are advised to ask for identification if someone comes to their door claiming to be a PSE&G employee. All PSE&G employees are required to carry identification and present it upon request. If residents are not convinced, they should not allow the person inside and should call 911 or PSE&G at 1‑800‑436‑PSEG (7734), where a customer service representative can verify whether a technician has been dispatched.
Residents should only use the official 1‑800‑436‑PSEG number to verify employees and should not call phone numbers provided by unknown individuals.
Authorities also noted that PSE&G will never send employees to a home or small business offering cash refunds for deposits or utility charges. The company issues refunds by crediting customer accounts or mailing a check to the service address.
As an added precaution, customers are urged not to share personal information such as dates of birth, Social Security numbers, account login credentials, or financial account details. Customers should enable two-step verification when available, block scam phone numbers, and report suspicious texts as junk or spam.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam should contact their local police department. Scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: How to spot and report PSE&G imposter scams in New Jersey
