UI, SCG and CNG Warn of ‘Imposter’ Scams
ORANGE, CONN. / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 24, 2020 / UI, SCG and CNG Warn of ‘Imposter’ Scams
As the companies prepare to resume collections activities,
customers are advised to beware of bogus disconnection threats
and take action to maintain service
United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) remind customers to be alert for utility imposters using fake threats of service disconnection to scam customers.
Typically, a scammer posing as a UI, SCG or CNG representative calls a customer and claims a crew is on the way to disconnect service unless an immediate payment is made, usually via hard-to-trace prepaid debit or gift cards. The imposter may use “spoofing” technology to make it seem like the call is coming from the company, and will provide a separate call-back number so the customer can complete the transaction after obtaining the card.
UI, SCG and CNG are not currently disconnecting customers for nonpayment due to the pandemic. As they begin to resume regular collections activities after Oct. 1, they will follow a process that includes advance notification and direct outreach ahead of a scheduled service disconnection. They accept multiple forms of payment and will never insist on payment via a gift card or prepaid debit card.
The companies’ representatives work with customers and can help them avoid service disconnection, even when there is a significant balance due.
Through Nov. 1, any residential or business customer can enroll in a COVID Payment Program plan that allows them to pay off outstanding balances over a period of up to 24 months without penalty, interest or down-payment. Enrolled customers are protected from service disconnection for the duration of the plan if they stay current on payments.
Residential customers with qualifying financial or medical hardships may also be eligible for seasonal service protection, as well as energy assistance that can help them reduce the total balance due. Customers struggling to manage their bills or who have medical concerns should call the company to learn about available options.
Any UI, SCG or CNG customer who suspects a scam should hang up and call the company at the number listed on their bill or on the company’s website to determine whether there is a payment issue. (The companies never perform service disconnections when the Customer Care Center is closed.)
If the scammer provided a call-back number, the customer should relay that to the Customer Care representative so the company can attempt to have the phone line shut down and disrupt the scam. Customers can also report phone scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, at www.ic3.gov.
About Us
About UI: The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,500 miles of electric distribution lines and 139 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 339,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award recognizing the company’s response to the May 2018 storms that impacted its service territory. For more information, visit www.uinet.com.
About SCG: The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1847, SCG operates approximately 2,500 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines, serving approximately 203,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. For more information, visit www.soconngas.com.
About CNG: Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, CNG operates 2,160 miles of natural gas distribution pipeline, serving approximately 191,000 customers across 26 communities in the greater Hartford-New Britain area, and Greenwich, Connecticut. For more information, visit www.cngcorp.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $35 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.
Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.
Contacts