Scams to Be Aware of During COVID-19

Scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic, preying on people when they are at their most stressed and vulnerable.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

Threats of immediate power disconnection or demands for payment

If anyone calls, emails or visits your home or business regarding an outstanding payment and threatens to immediately disconnect your power – it’s not us.

If your service is eligible for disconnection, you will always receive a letter from us in advance.

Requests to pay with unusual payment methods

We’ll never ask you to make a payment with a gift card, prepaid debit card or bitcoin.

You can safely make your payment online at Eversource.com, via the Eversource mobile app, by contacting our Customer Service team or by mail.

Unexpected visitors

For your safety and ours, we’ll only enter your home or business for emergencies, safety reasons and upon your request for critical issues, including turning on service.

If you receive an unexpected visit from someone claiming to be from Eversource, you can always call us at 800-592-2000 to verify the request.

Requests for a deposit to exchange your utility meter

If anyone claims you need to pay for a new meter to be installed because yours is about to expire, you can ignore the request. Meters do not expire.

We’ve also suspended routine meter changes during the pandemic.  

Common Signs of a Scam

If you receive a phone call without prior notification demanding immediate payment to avoid shut off, it's likely a scam.

Example of a scammer pretending to be Eversource:

Other common scams include:

• Overpayment scam: Scammers call claiming that you overpaid your utility bill and request your personal bank account or credit card information to give you a refund.
• "Phishing" or "smishing" scam: You receive text messages requesting personal information from scammers pretending to be from a reputable company. 

Check out our "Stop the Scams, Learn the Signs" flyer for more ways scammers try to trick you. 

Esta información está disponible en español.

Ways We Help Protect You From Scams

• Eversource representatives always carry company-issued photo identification and will always provide it when asked.
• Contractors working for Eversource always carry documentation explaining the nature and location of their work.
• Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice via the U.S. mail which includes the actions they can take to maintain service. However, no disconnections are happening right now due to the pandemic.
• Eversource almost never makes unsolicited house visits. Exceptions might include accessing, maintaining, or ensuring the reliable and safe operation of our equipment.

If you’re not sure the person you're speaking with is an Eversource employee, call us at 800-592-2000. We'll be glad to verify.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify the caller is legitimate by asking for basic information

Our representatives will always be able to provide the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance. 

Never immediately pay, regardless of what the caller knows about your account or offers as an incentive 

If the caller is requesting an immediate payment using a third-party service, at another location or via a prepaid debit card, hang up immediately and contact us directly to verify your account status.

Never wire money to someone you don’t know

Once you wire money, you cannot get it back.

Do not accept offers from anyone to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee

Even if the person you're speaking with claims to be an Eversource employee, it's likely a scam.

Do not click on links or call numbers that appear in unexpected emails or texts

If you click on a link, your computer could become infected with malware, including viruses that can steal your information and compromise your computer. 

More Resources

Utilities United Against Scams is a consortium of more than 100 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and related associations. The organization's website has a number of resources available is dedicated to raising awareness and educating customers about scams.

Other resources include:

• Consumer’s Guide to Impostor Utility Scams - An educational guide that provides key information to consumers and community leaders on the types of impostor utility scams that are occurring across the country. 
• Be Aware of These Common Scams - Learn about six very common scams and how to recognize them.
• Better Business Bureau - Interactive pages intended to provide customers with real-time information and details about current scams complete with alert notifications and reporting capabilities.