Eversource and CT Department of Consumer Protection warn of biggest red flags and offer tips for residents to protect themselves

BERLIN, Conn. (Jan. 21, 2026) – While the busy holiday season has come to a close, scammers pretending to be utility company employees are not slowing down with their deceptive schemes. With customers across Connecticut adjusting back into their routines for the new year, impostors are often looking to take advantage, posing as Eversource representatives and threatening to disconnect customers’ power unless they make an immediate payment. Both the energy company and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection are reminding residents and business owners to remain vigilant and always be on the lookout for the telltale signs of scams – whether it’s in person, over the phone, or online.

“These scammers have their deceitful methods down to a science, and while the tactics they use may vary, the goal is always the same – to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting people,” said Eversource Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Digital Strategy Jared Lawrence. “One of the biggest red flags to be aware of is if you are asked for instant payment over the phone or by using other untraceable methods like gift cards, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin – that is something we will never ask of our customers and almost a sure sign you’re being scammed. If you ever doubt who you’re talking to is legitimate, don’t be afraid to hang up and give us a call at 800-286-2000 to verify the status of your account.”

"Scammers will do anything to take your money and information, including impersonating well-known companies and people in your life, such as your utility company," said Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "It's important to always be on the lookout for the most common red flags of a scam: high pressure tactics, threats of penalties if you don't act fast, resistance to show you identification, unmarked vehicles and workers not wearing clothing with visible logos associated with the company they claim to be from. If you're ever uncertain, trust your gut. Do your research before providing any information or payment, and make sure you are using legitimate contact information to reach out to any company to confirm their request."

As customers shop for third-party suppliers to lower their energy costs, another con to be aware of is people coming to the door and using deceptive marketing tactics to convince customers to switch energy suppliers. EnergizeCT.com is the only site to safely shop for energy in Connecticut.

With heightened scam activity continuing into the new year, Eversource offers these additional tips to help customers avoid becoming a victim:

• Verify the caller is legitimate by asking for basic information.  Eversource 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 the 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 Eversource.
• Eversource representatives never require customers to go to a department or grocery store to make a payment.
• Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers.
• All Eversource employees carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles.
• Customers should never provide personal, financial, or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online, even if they seem legitimate.
• Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive several written notices, including an alert on their bill with information on how to maintain their service.
• Customers who doubt a call, in-person interaction, text, or email is legitimate should call Eversource directly at the number on their bill to confirm the authenticity of the contact.
• Customers should not search for Eversource’s phone number or website through a search engine as scammers can manipulate results and direct customers to an incorrect number. You can find contact information, including the website, on your Eversource bill.
• Do not accept offers from anyone to pay the customer’s bill or provide any other service for a fee. Even if the person 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.  Clicking on a link can make a computer infected with malware, including viruses that can steal information and compromise the computer. 

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship, is named among America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for 2026 and recognized as the #1 utility on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders for 2025. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.3 million customers in 157 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 254,000 customers in 85 communities, and supplies water to approximately 225,000 customers in 60 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of more than 10,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 Energy Efficiency Provider in the Nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.