NYSEG Warns of Phony Bill-Payment Scam

NYSEG is warning of a scam where customers are contacted by email or in person and asked to pay current or past due charges. Any "payments" then end up with scammers.

Here's what you should do to make sure you don't fall victim to the NYSEG phony bill-payment scam:

• Always type in NYSEG's web address when making an online payment at nyseg.com, do not rely on email links. While at nyseg.com, you can also check your account balance and any past-due amount status.

• When making a payment by phone, always make sure you're calling NYSEG: 1.800.572.1111 (customer service); 1.888.315.1755 (payment arrangements) or 1.800.600.2275 (self-service line). You can also check your account status by phone. Do not make any payments over the phone to anyone who has contacted you or asked you to call a different number.

• Pay by credit card using the NYSEG website; again, do not trust email links.

• If you are mailing your payment, the address for NYSEG/RG&E is:
  NYSEG, P.O. Box 11745, Newark, NJ 07101-4745.

• If you pay your bill using your own payment service (for instance, your bank) always follow the payment service’s instructions to ensure your account security.

• Never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or bank information to anyone requesting it (over the phone or in person) unless you initiated the contact and feel confident that the transaction is legitimate.

• To verify the identity of any NYSEG employee: ask for their photo ID card (if in person) or their employee number. Then contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1111 to verify their identity and the nature of their business. Our employees are happy to comply with an identity verification request.

• NYSEG does not ask customers to purchase debit cards to make payments.

Keep in mind, if something sounds too good to be true or information about your account
balance doesn’t match what you expect, it probably isn't true. If you think you're the victim of the NYSEG bill-payment scam, Immediately reach out to the Federal Trade Commission and your local police.