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Be On Lookout For Scam That Targets Those Who Lost Power

As thousands in the Hudson Valley remain in the dark following the pair of storms that left trees, utility poles and power lines strewn about, the Putnam County Sheriff is reminding area residents to be wary of opportunistic fraudsters posing as NYSEG employees.

Robert Langley

Robert Langley

 Photo Credit: Contributed
Zak Failla
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On Friday afternoon, more than a week after the first Nor'easter struck, 1,443 of NYSEG’s 38,310 customers remained without power, as mutual aid crews continue working around the clock to clean up the downed trees and lines.

In response, Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langley, Jr. and District Attorney Robert Tendy issued an alert, warning that scammers could look to take advantage of the difficult situation by posing as utility workers.

“As with other power outages, there is always a concern about people becoming victims to a burglary or larceny by those posing as NYSEG employees.”

Tips to avoid becoming the victim of impersonating a utility employee from Langley and Tendy include:

  • NYSEG employees will never come to your house, knock on your door, and ask you if they can check your inside wiring, or your meter or any other safety issue in your house. NYSEG employees tend to road issues and exterior issues. They will not be asking to enter your home.
  • If you have a generator, NYSEG employees will not come to your house and ask for access in order to “check on the flow of electricity” for safety purposes.
  • Beware of “home oil company” representatives or employees who want to enter your home to “make sure you are safe.” If you did not call them do NOT let them enter your home. Always ask for identification.
  • If you see someone wandering around your property pretending to look at wires or lights or cable wires, chances are they are not there from NYSEG. They are more likely looking for an access point to your home, or looking to see if they can grab something and run. NYSEG employees come with a crew and are in marked vehicles, etc.
  • NYSEG employees who are driving around checking wires and poles are always in marked vehicles.
  • NYSEG will not call you and ask you to verify personal information so that they can get your electricity turned on. If anyone calls you in this regard, do not give them account information, address information, birthdate information, “security question” information, etc. 

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