HOME & DESIGN

Know The Telltale Signs Of A Scam

Long Islanders may be enjoying the milder months of spring, but scammers are still on the hunt, impersonating PSEG Long Island and area utilities and demanding immediate payment. PSEG urges customers to understand scammers’ tactics and do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff.

More than 1,200 scam calls have been reported to PSEG so far in 2023. Many of these scammers are demanding immediate payment via web-based electronic payment services. PSEG does not accept external, web-based electronic payment services (outside of payments through MyAccount) as a method of payment.

About payment scams

• Scammers impersonating PSEG most frequently threaten to shut off power immediately unless payment is made.

• Many scammers use phone “spoofing” technology to make their number display on your phone as “PSEG Long Island.” over the phone.

• PSEG will never request that customers use one specific method of payment.

• PSEG does not accept webbased electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment.

• Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSEG does not require a deposit for meter installations.

• If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email—especially one in which payment is requested—they should call the company directly.

In-person visits

Scammers may go doorto-door impersonating PSEG employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts. Call PSEG directly to verify.

Situated on a sought-after, quaint, country street at 11 Coot Rd. in Locust Valley is this charming Cape, which sold on May 5 for $1,300,000. Boasting four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the floor plan showcases true luxurious living. This home is perfect for entertaining, with its open-concept floor plan, a living room with a fireplace, a dining room and a beatiful kitchen to enjoy for decades. This home also includes a home office, exercise room, a first floor primary bedroom, and a partially finished basement. The backyard is private and fenced. It is near to shopping, restaurants, the train station, beaches and more.

• Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service, a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then to read them the PIN

PSEG employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house and call 1-800-4900025 to have a customer service representative verify that an employee has been dispatched to the location. An actual PSEG employee will respect the customer’s decision and remain outside. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.