Scammers are turning up the heat, pretending to be PSE&G or impersonating prominent area utilities, and threatening to turn off service for nonpayment. Take some time to learn scammers’ tactics. And remember, you can always get the truth from the real PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG (7734).
Signs of potential scam activity:
- Threats to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell you your utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made — usually within an hour.
- Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct you to purchase a prepaid card, a gift card or Bitcoin, and then to call them back to make a phone payment. They may request that use of a payment app to make an online payment, or even give instructions for an in-person meeting. The scammer may call back to ask for the payment to be resubmitted due to an “error” with the amount.
- In person-demands: Scammers may arrive at a home or business, flash a fake ID and/or claim to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information or offer discounts, which a real PSE&G representative would not do.
- Request for card information: The scammer may ask you for the prepaid card’s number or gift-card PIN, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds.
Protect yourself against scams:
- Be alert to the telltale signs of a scam: someone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or fund transfer app, or to send money to an out-of-state address.
- Never arrange payment or provide account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit/credit card information, over the telephone unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative.
- Customers should also know what PSE&G will and won’t discuss over the phone. A real PSE&G representative will ask to speak to the “Customer of Record.” If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely you are not speaking with a PSE&G representative.
- If the “Customer of Record” is not available, the PSE&G representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the “Customer of Record” to call 1-800-357-2262.
- If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially one in which payment is requested — call PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
Print our scam awareness sheet and share with your loved ones to help protect them against scammers.
We had that happen in the past and when they left there’s was a $20 bill on the refrigerator with a note that said “You need this more than we do”
Just want to thank you for the information. Never know with utility companies, internet, and other what could occur.
Thank you for this very useful information! Keep up the great work!
Had a person from Arcadia solar farms ask about seeing my utility bill so I could switch to them and get $$ back. I checked out the process which required a new participant close their PSEG account and then would be billed by them. No thanks. Think they are coming out if power goes out??
Hey I actually signed up for Arcadia community solar and turns out PSEG still handles maintenance, service etc. Arcadia solar farms are actually backed up by government and allows to receive solar credits on your bill without having to install panels. Hope this helps your confusion
I would not be so sure he isn’t an Arcadia employee. Just had an Arcadia salesperson knock on my door and he said I was entitled to a credit from PSEG. Just needed to fill out a form and show him a copy of my bill. PSEG is not offering a credit…with a copy of the PSEG bill they can switch you out of PSEG. I would say that is not ethical
Thanx😊
Almost got scammed they needed my pod. Number from my PSEG Account which I did not have went to PSEG to get it and found out I could of been scammed they said I filed on line for assistance for help with electric bill I got information from PSEG how to get the RIGHT help Thank you Flavia In Perth Amboy 9/20/22 @PSEG
I understand your employees not discussing a matter with anyone but the person on record. My husband was employed w
Ith PSEG for 36 years, and I always paid the bills. The account is still in his name even though he has passed. Does this mean if there is a problem God forbid, they won’t talk to me?