Buffalo, NY (WBEN) NYSEG is warning of what the utility calls sophisticated scammers trying to get personal information from customers.
“Our customers’ security matters; we take it seriously,” said NYSEG and RG&E CEO Patricia Nilsen. “We're dedicated to our customers' well-being, and we’ve put protective measures in place to guard our customers' personal information.”
NYSEG's Mike Baggerman says scammers often pose as utility representatives to deceive customers into divulging personal information. They may visit homes or businesses or communicate with customers using a technique known as phishing, which is when fraudsters send emails aiming to obtain sensitive information. Fraudsters use phone calls, or vishing, spoofing a legitimate phone number, making it appear like the call is coming from a trusted business. Scammers may send text messages or smishing to obtain personal information.
Customers are encouraged to remain vigilant against tactics such as disconnection threats, meter payment scams, overpayment scams, and door-to-door impostors.
Baggerman says NYSEG will never do any of the following: Ask you to email any personal information, such as payment/financial details or your address. Send you programs to install on your computer. Terminate a customer’s service without providing notice for non-payment. Perform shut-offs during hours when our Customer Contact Center is closed. Go door-to-door asking to see customer bills.
If customers are uncertain of the identity of the caller or a visitor at your door, contact the customer service team immediately. NYSEG: call 800.572.1111