Putnam County Sheriff Warns Residents Of Nyseg Scam

CARMEL, N.Y. – Several Putnam County residents, especially restaurant owners, recently were targeted by people claiming to be New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) representatives, according to Sheriff Donald B. Smith.

Several Putnam County residents, especially restaurant owners, recently were targeted by people claiming to be New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) representatives, according to Sheriff Donald B. Smith.
Photo Credit: *File Photo.*

by Stephanie Mojica

01/12/2015 12:30 p.m.

During the telephone calls, the scammer claimed if the person did not immediately get a Green Dot Money Pak and get the information to him, then the electricity would be shut off, Smith said.

Money Paks are similar to Western Union and MoneyGrams, allowing people to immediately access money from anywhere in the world.

NYSEG officials advise customers to be careful regarding any phone calls they receive. They have issued the following tips:

NYSEG will not call a customer for payment if an account is in good standing.
NYSEG will never ask a customer to purchase a debit card to make a payment.
Customers who need to make an urgent payment should do so by calling NYSEG directly at 1-800-600-2275 to ensure their account is properly credited.
Customers who have any questions about a call they have received for an overdue payment are likewise urged to contact NYSEG at 1-800-572-1111.

“Anyone believing they have been victimized by this scam is asked to report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission, their local police or the Sheriff’s Office at (845) 225-4300,” Smith said.

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