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Scam alert: The phony utility scams are back

Posted 9/27/22

SULLIVAN COUNTY — The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a new rash of scams being perpetrated in the county.   Callers pretending to be from New York State …

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Scam alert: The phony utility scams are back

Posted

SULLIVAN COUNTY — The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a new rash of scams being perpetrated in the county.  Callers pretending to be from New York State Gas & Electric (NYSEG), Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) are contacting residents and claiming that their electric bills are overdue. “

The callers are threatening to cut off the customers’ electrical service if they do not pay immediately”, said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty. “The scammers are asking the victims to provide a credit card number, purchase a pre-paid debit card or send money via Western Union/MoneyGram”. As part of the scam, the perpetrators are using a computer to spoof the telephone number they are calling from to make the victim think the call is originating locally, when in fact, it is coming from outside the U.S.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends that you hang up immediately if you receive one of these calls.  Residents should contact their utility company directly if they have any doubt as to whether they owe any money.

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