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Utility Scam Arrives in New England, National Grid Urges Caution

Subject: Utility Scam Arrives in New England, National Grid Urges Caution

Date: July 5, 2012 7:51:30 AM EDT

National Grid is asking customers to be on alert for a scam stating utility bills will be paid by the Federal government or President Obama after sending a social security number and bank routing information.

The scam has impacted utility customers

in Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina and other parts of the country along with New England, and should not be confused with legitimate low-income utility assistance programs in the Commonwealth.

According to accounts from utility companies nationwide, the scammers may engage solicitation through phone calls, door-to-door contacts, and online methods.

National Grid customers in New England can call 1-800-322-3223 if they believe they are victims of the scam and the company is reminding customers to ask for National Grid ID badges of individuals who are acting suspiciously while claiming to represent National Grid.