Public Service Incorporated : Listen closely – did you receive this scam voicemail?

PSE&G has experienced an uptick in scam reporting recently and encourages customers to stay alert and informed about scammers to #StopScams. Customers are reporting automated calls claiming to be from the 'Disconnection Department of PSE&G New Jersey' and encouraging them to connect through to speak to a representative. Listen to the example scam call below.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SCAM CALL. THIS IS A SCAM. BE AWARE.

Like many recent scams, callers give you a reason to panic and then will offer you a quick resolution by making an immediate payment. They want you to react quickly, without thinking clearly. By demanding immediate payment through a pre-paid card, gift card, crypto currency or a third party mobile payment app, the scammer reduces the time for you to become suspicious of a scam.

Scammers have become more brazen with their tactics and all customers need to be aware. It is our hope that information about scams will be widely shared throughout our service communities so no one falls prey to these unscrupulous people.

'Customers need to be on high alert as we continue to see impostor utility scams rise across North America,' said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez. 'Scammers demand money or personal information on the spot-usually with threatening language-and indicate that service will be disconnected immediately. Anyone and everyone, from senior households to small business owners, is at risk of being targeted.'

Protect yourself against scams:

Be alert to the telltale sign of a scam: someone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards, through third party mobile payment app, through a MoneyGram transfer, or to send money to an out-of-state address. Never arrange payment or divulge account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit or credit card information, over the telephone unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative.

Customers should also know what PSE&G will and won't discuss over the phone. A genuine PSE&G representative will ask to speak to the 'Customer of Record.' If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSE&G representative.

If the 'Customer of Record' is not available, the PSE&G representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the 'Customer of Record' to call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email - especially one in which payment is requested - call the company directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

For more information on various payment scams reported in the PSE&G service area and around the country, visit pseg.com/ScamAlert

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