PSE&G has observed a recent increase in scammers contacting customers, falsely alleging overdue balances and threatening to shut off power without immediate payment. At this time, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please be aware that PSE&G has suspended any service disconnections for residential customers.

While the common scam tactic of requesting a prepaid debit card (such as Green Dot cards available at local pharmacies and convenience stores) to provide payment is still active, some scammers are now demanding payment via digital payment platforms or apps.

PSE&G does not accept payments through prepaid debit cards or third party mobile payment applications. We offer a variety of payment options and would never require one specific type of payment.

Scammers give you a reason to panic and then offer you a quick resolution via payment. They want you to react quickly, without thinking clearly. By demanding payment via apps, the scammer is further reducing the time for you to become suspicious of a scam.

Learn the signs of potential scam activity:

• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell the customer their utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made – usually within an hour.
• Request for immediate payment:  Scammers may tell the customer to purchase a prepaid card, a gift card or even Bitcoin, and then tell them to call back to make a phone payment to the utility company. They may request that the customer use a third party mobile app to make an online payment — or even give instructions for an in-person meeting, supposedly at a utility customer center.
• Request for card information: If a customer calls back with the requested information, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number or gift-card PIN, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds, and the victim’s money is gone.
• In person-demands: Scammers may arrive at a home or business, flash a fake ID and/or claim to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. Scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts.
• Priority meter installations: Recent phone scams reported to PSE&G include requiring a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSE&G does not require a deposit for meter installations.

Protect yourself against scams:

• Be alert to the telltale sign of a scam: someone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or a MoneyGram transfer, or to send money to an out-of-state address.
• Never divulge account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit or credit card information, unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative.
• If a PSE&G representative calls you, they will ask to speak to the “Customer of Record.” If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the customer’s account name, address and current balance. If the caller can’t provide that information, they are not likely a PSE&G representative.
• A PSE&G representative will only discuss the account with the “Customer of Record.”
• If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially one in which payment is requested — call PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
  

For more information, visit pseg.com/scamalert.