Country Club Reports Utility Scam to Police

The controller for the Rhode Island Country Club reported to Barrington police last Wednesday, Aug. 14, that individuals claiming to be from National Grid attempted to scam them of some money.

Indeed, National Grid and the RI Attorney General’s office are warning customers to beware of the latest episode of utility billing scams.

The utility and the Attorney General report that they have received numerous calls from RI businesses saying they have been contacted by phone by individuals claiming to be from National Grid. The calls tell customers they have a past due balance on their utility bill.

These scammers warn that service will be shut off immediately unless the customer provides sensitive bank account information and agrees to allow for an immediate payment.

National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but it never demands direct payment over the telephone, according to the utility.

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. 

Customers who have received calls demanding immediate payment and are asked for bank account information should contact National Grid immediately. To verify information and for any billing-related questions in New England, customers should call National Grid’s Customer Contact Center at 1-800-322-3223.