New PSE&G Phone Scam
February 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On 2/9/16 a building owner received a call from a person who stated they were from Public Service Electric and Gas and that a service crew was on their way to replace their gas meter. The caller gave accurate account information and an 800 number similar to the PSE&G number for him to call back. The caller advised the building owner go to a retail store in Midland Park and pay for the meter upgrade or gas would be shut off at the building. Although the caller sounded convincing patrol contacted PSE&G directly and confirmed that it was a scam. PSE&G offers a variety of payment options, and would never require a customer to use one specific type of payment. PSE&G customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice on their bill at least 10 days in advance.
Any customer who has doubts about the legitimacy of a call from PSE&G — especially one in which payment is requested — should call them directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
Which retail store? Being investigated, one assumes?
Most likely directed to CVS in Midland Park to wire money or buy gift cards of some sort, whose serial numbers are then provided by phone to the scammers. CVS not involved, just a location at which those services are available.