Crime & Safety
Police Warn of 'National Grid' Phone Scam
Consumers are warned a scam in which payment is demanded by phone with the threat of utilities being turned off.
A Newport resident recently fell victim to phone scam where the caller claimed to work for National Grid and said payment was due for a faulty meter. The caller said if a payment was not made, the power would be shut off.
The victim provided bank information and $500 was reportedly withdrawn.
National Grid has reported similar scams from customers.
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"National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but never demands direct payment over the telephone," a representative from the company said. "If customers wish, they can arrange for a payment by check, credit card or debit card if they speak directly to a customer service representative. Payment can also be made by credit card or debit card without a representative’s assistance."
Any National Grid customer who gets such a call is asked to call the company at 1-800-322-3223.
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Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Telephone Scam:
• Remember you should never give out your account information to anyone over the phone or internet;
• Try to verify the caller’s identity as well as the company they represent;
• Screen your call if you have caller ID or an answering system. Blocked or private calls can be a red flag as well as number unknown to you. If you let the call go to voicemail and the call is important, they will leave a message you can return;
• Do not engage with the caller as they will be persistent and threatening. If you find you have answered on these calls, hang up the phone immediately;
• Never send money through a wire transfer or other means unless you are sending to a close friend or family member; and
• Do not feel pressured to give information or send money quickly.
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