National Grid issues warning on utility scam

By Dana Reilly
PBN Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE - National Grid has issued a warning to New England customers of a new utility bill scam that fraudulently claims the federal government will pay customers’ bills through a new program.

The company has received complaints nationwide from customers who have received solicitation through phone calls, door-to-door representatives and emails asking for their social security number and bank routing numbers.

The customers are sent fake account numbers, which are not accepted by the National Grid to pay bills.

The company’s warning reminds customers that National Grid employees will always carry official ID.

Should a customer encounter a questionable person claiming to be from the National Grid, he or she should first contact National Grid customer service to confirm and then notify local law enforcement, according to the news release.