National Grid warns of spoofing calls threatening to disconnect service

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — National Grid is warning of scam phone calls demanding money and threatening to turn off service.

The 'spoofing' calls show up on caller ID as National Grid's customer service line. A caller, sometimes even using a made-up identification number and office location, will claim that customers have a past-due balance and service will be shut off.

The scammer will request payment via a prepaid debit card, such as Green Dot or MoneyPak. You'll be told to purchase one of those cards from a store and call a toll-free number. Customers may also be asked for their account information or social security number.

National Grid emphasizes while it may contact customers for past-due balances over the phone, it does not demand nor accept payments through prepaid debit cards. The utility also says it does not threaten immediate disconnection for lack of payment.

If you receive one of these calls, National Grid suggest you contact local law enforcement.