PSEG Long Island Warns Customers About Rising Scams Threatening Electric Service Disconnection
- PSEG Long Island warns customers about rising scams involving impersonators threatening disconnection of electric service.
- Customers are urged to verify communications using official channels before taking any action.
- PSEG Long Island commits to consumer education, especially for vulnerable populations, to combat financial deception.
PSEG Long Island Warns Customers of Escalating Scams Threatening Electric Service
PSEG Long Island issues a critical warning to its customers, detailing a rise in scams targeting vulnerable residents. The company alerts clients about impersonators posing as utility employees, using tactics designed to instill urgency and fear by threatening immediate disconnection of electric service. These fraudsters typically reach out via phone calls or face-to-face interactions, demanding immediate payment under the guise of resolving fictitious issues. The utility emphasizes the need for customers to remain vigilant, encouraging them to pause and verify such communications before taking any action.
Lou DeBrino, Vice President of Customer Operations, underscores the importance of confirming account details through official channels. Customers are urged to access their online accounts or utilize the customer service number listed on their bills as a means of verifying the legitimacy of any claims made by callers. This initiative aims to empower consumers against disinformation and help them recognize the signs of fraudulent behavior. As scammers frequently create false crises that evoke panic, PSEG Long Island reassures its clients that they can always take a moment to validate unexpected communication regarding their electric service.
In addition to the current warning, PSEG Long Island continues its broader commitment to consumer education, particularly regarding scams that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. In a prior initiative from February 2025, Robert Vessichelli, a senior corporate security investigator, worked directly with older adults in Huntington, sharing strategies to avoid falling victim to similar schemes. By reinforcing the message to validate information before making any payments, PSEG Long Island strives to safeguard its customers against these predatory practices.
In the face of these rising threats, PSEG Long Island's response signifies a commitment not only to the safety of its electrical infrastructure but to the protection of its customer base against financial deception. The company's proactive measures serve to highlight the importance of consumer awareness in combating utility-related fraud.