Alert Issued For Nyseg Phone Scam

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning area residents to be wary of a NYSEG “Green Dot Money Paks” phone scam that makes the rounds annually each summer.

NYSEG is aware of a phone scam making the rounds.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Zak Failla

08/04/2018 9:30 a.m.

For several years, during the dog days of summer, local businesses in Putnam County have reportedly received phone calls from scammers who claim to be representatives from NYSEG. The fraudster tells the caller that the business is behind in their electric bills.

Sheriff Robert Langley, Jr. said that the scammers then “warns the business that to avoid having their electric service from being shut off, they have to make payment immediately.” They then instruct the businesses that the only way to avoid an interruption of service is to purchase a “Green Dot Money Pak” and provide the card information.

Langley noted that the fake calls are typically taken during busy hours of operation, “making it more urgent for businesses to comply why the phony caller’s demand.” He also said that “these scams are perpetrated during the warm summer months, when the loss of refrigeration, due to service interruption, adds pressure.” He added that NYSEG officials are aware of the scam.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by the NYSEG scam has been asked to report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Sheriff’s Office by calling (845) 225-4300.

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