Less than a week before Christmas, reports that the scam where individuals posing as a representative from National Grid demanding immediate payment to avoid service shutoff has returned said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and National Grid.
The Consumer Protection Unit of the Office of Attorney General has received numerous phone calls from business owners who have contacted by the outfit.
Kilmartin and National Grid remind business owners and all residents that National Grid may contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, BUT NEVER demands direct payment over the telephone. Customers who have received calls demanding immediate payment and are asked to wire money using a "Green Dot" card or for bank account information should contact National Grid immediately at National Grid's Customer Contact Center at 1-800-322-3223.
While only reports to businesses have been reported, Kilmartin and Grid are concerned the scam may spread to homeowners. Typically National Grid does not shut off electric service to Rhode Island customers during the winter shut off moratorium, which runs from November until April.