Residents in the Village of Cedarhurst are urged to be on the lookout for potential PSEG scammers coming to their homes or businesses. The Board of Trustees sent out an email to all business owners and residents to share the warning signs of a scam. This information can help someone differentiate between a real representative and a fraud.
Recognize the warning signs of utility scammers
Scammers are targeting Five Towns and Rockaways homes and businesses by pretending to be PSEG Long Island and demanding immediate payment to avoid a shutoff. More than 4,400 scam calls were reported to PSEG Long Island in 2023 alone, and through the help of customer reporting, Utilities United Against Scams has successfully helped to take more than 14,830 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation. Reports of utility scams targeting customers were at an all-time high during 2023. These fraudsters often threaten an immediate shutoff and use caller ID “spoofing” to make it appear as if they’re calling from PSEG Long Island. They push payments through web-based payment apps, prepaid cards, or Bitcoin — none of which PSEG Long Island accepts. Remember: PSEG Long Island never requires one specific payment method and never asks for deposits for meter installations.
Verify before you act: In-person and online threats
Impostors may show fake IDs, uniforms, or vehicle signs, but real PSEG Long Island employees carry valid company ID and do not ask for personal information or payment at the door. If someone tries to force entry, call 911 immediately. Scammers also create fake look-alike websites to steal payments; PSEG Long Island’s real site is psegliny.com. A new scam involves fraudulent QR stickers on public EV chargers that send users to sites designed to steal personal or credit card information. PSEG Long Island does not require customers to use its website to activate public chargers. In most cases, PSEG Long Island employees do not need to come inside your home to perform their work.
Know what legitimate representatives will do
A legitimate PSEG Long Island representative will speak only with the Customer of Record, will confirm account details, and will never demand unusual payments. PSEG Long Island never requires one specific payment method and never asks for deposits for meter installations. PSEG Long Island customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice on their bill at least 15 days in advance. If that person isn’t available, they will leave a message to call 1 (800) 490-0025. If you’re unsure about any call or email, hang up and call 1 (800) 490-0025 directly to verify. This Utility Scam Awareness Day, remember to Slow Down. Verify. Stop the Scam. Nearly all scammers try to blindside you with an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be Learn more at psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/scamsandfraud.
