SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — As the colder weather arrives in New England, scammers are heating up their efforts.

Among their constantly evolving methods, clever imposters are taking advantage of the winter months by posing as Eversource representatives and threatening to disconnect customers' power unless they make immediate payment on the spot. The energy company is reminding residents and businesses to be on the lookout for the signs of a scam whether it's in person, over the phone, or online.

"These scammers will use deceitful tactics to scare people into giving up their money or personal information," said Eversource Senior Vice President for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy Jared Lawrence "We want customers to remember that we never demand instant payment over the phone, ask for gift cards or other non-standard methods of payment, or request personal information in an unsolicited call, text message, or email. If you ever doubt who you're talking to is legitimate, hang up and give us a call at 877-659-6326 in Western Massachusetts."

Scammers may ask for bank account or credit card information or insist on a gift card. According to BBB, there's been a 50 percent increase in the number of reports of scams using gift cards as the payment method. Another common tactic is the overpayment scam. That's when someone will call claiming that a customer overpaid their utility bill and request personal information to give a refund.

Police departments around the commonwealth routinely receive reports of imposter scams. In some cases, the victims say the caller ID made it seem like the call was legitimate, but the information transmitted to a phone display when it rings can be falsified.

"Scammers are creative, regularly coming up with new methods and fear tactics to convince people to provide sensitive information in response to something that may seem legitimate," said West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor. "These scammers take advantage of unsuspecting victims far too often, and we encourage everyone to take a moment and question any request or demand they receive from someone claiming to represent a utility. If you suspect anyone of trying to scam you, please do not hesitate to call your local police department for assistance."

Eversource and West Springfield Police offer these additional tips to help avoid becoming a victim:

• Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit. They will also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM or a gift card.
• Eversource representatives never request customers meet at a department or grocery store to make a payment.
• 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.
• 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 who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service.
• Customers who doubt a call, in-person interaction, text, or email is legitimate should call Eversource directly to confirm the authenticity of the contact.
• Customers should not search for Eversource's phone number or website through a search engine. You can find contact information, including the website, on your Eversource bill.

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