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The scammers -- whose number shows up on caller ID as 888-837-1696 -- have been telling residents that they are overdue on their utility bill and that their electricity will be turned off unless they make payment, police said.
The best method to deal with the scammer is to simply hang up and to never provide any personal information to these types of callers, police said.
Central Hudson is also alerting customers of bill payment scams targeting its customers.
“This is the latest of many scams taking place across New York and other parts of the country, and we urge our customers to be vigilant in protecting themselves and their account information,” said Charles A. Freni, senior vice president of Customer Services and Transmission & Distribution Operations for Central Hudson.
Freni explained that the scammers directs customers to pay their utility bill using a prepaid card purchased at a pharmacy or convenience store.
“Central Hudson would never request a bill payment in this way,” said Freni. “If there is any uncertainty, customers should hang up and call Central Hudson at 845-452-2700 for confirmation, and disregard telephone numbers provided for return calls.”
Residents can also contact the Hyde Park Police Department at 845-229-9340.
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