Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advises residents to be on the alert for a new telephone and email scams that have surfaced in Union County and across the country.
In the telephone scam, residents receive a call demanding immediate payment on a utility bill, and threatening to cut off service if payment is not made.
Another scam involves email messages masquerading as third-party utility companies. Opening the email can expose the computer to a virus.
“These scammers are taking advantage of the cold weather to prey on anxiety over utility service cut-off,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “If you receive any unexpected message from a utility company, whether it’s by phone, email or standard mail, be sure to call them yourself to ensure that it’s a legitimate communication.”
Currently the telephone scam is focused on PSEG. Customers of that utility should call 800-436-PSEG (7734) to verify any unexpected messages.
Other gas and electric utilities serving customers in Union County are JCP&L and Elizabethtown Gas.
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