With the wave of scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eversource is reminding customers about common signs to recognize a scam and specific pandemic-related scams to look out for, including:
* Threats of immediate power disconnection or demands for payment: Eversource representatives never ask for instant payment, and the energy company is not disconnecting any customers for non-payment during this emergency period.
* Callers asking for personal or account information or insisting on specific, unusual payment methods: Eversource will never ask for personal information over the phone in this manner and does not accept payments via gift cards, pre-paid debit cards or other common tools used by scammers.
* Requests for a deposit to exchange a utility meter: Eversource has suspended all non-essential work, including routine meter changes, during the pandemic. Meters also do not suddenly expire, so be wary of calls claiming payment is necessary for a new meter to be installed because the current meter is about to expire.
* Calls, emails or texts about government stimulus checks: The IRS won’t contact people with information about stimulus payments, or to ask for personal information like a Social Security number or bank account number.
* Online offers for vaccinations and test kits: There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time and the only FDA-approved home test kit requires a doctor’s order.
Eversource urges anyone who believes they are a target of improper solicitation to please alert local law enforcement and contact the company directly at 800-592-2000.
For more information on how the energy company is helping customers protect against scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://www.eversource.com/content/ema-c/residential/safety/protect-yourself/avoid-scams.