72°
GREENWICH, Conn. Recent reports of people going door-to-door in Greenwich saying they're from an electric company may not be scams, just misunderstandings, according to police.
There have been four reports on the west side of town over the last three days of subjects going door to door claiming to be from an electric company and/or CL&P, which has raised resident concerns, said Lt. Kraig Gray, spokesman for the Greenwich Police Department.
When police contacted CL&P, the companys Southern Division Account Executive Stephen Silver wrote, Our company has nothing to do with these third-party energy suppliers.
CL&P frequently receives reports of solicitors claiming to be from CL&P, but the company does not conduct solicitation calls or visits unless workers need access to equipment or if there is a safety concern, Silver wrote in an email.
All CL&P employees carry company-issued photo identification and use vehicles marked with the CL&P logo. Any electrical contractors working with CL&P carry documentation explaining the nature and location of their work.
However, Gray says the recent reports are not a scam.
There might be some misrepresentation, but they are probably another power company. They are not trying to get personal information and may be with a power company, just not the one youre thinking of, he said.
Third-party energy suppliers are licensed by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority, which oversees the program and has a website - ctenergyinfo.com - that has information for customers, including questions to ask.
These people are out there. There are some legitimate operators, but by the same token there are plenty of other scams going on, said Gray, who is advising residents to continue to be cautious when opening their doors to unknown people. If its unsolicited and youre not sure, dont agree with it and do your research on your own. If a customer has received an unsolicited call or a visit to their home from someone saying they're from CL&P, the company recommends:
Hang up the phone or decline the door-to-door offer, even if the person claims some form of proof, such as a badge number from the utility company. Call CL&P directly - using the number on your CL&P bill or from the phone book - to confirm any offers.
Never provide your Social Security number or personal financial information to any unsolicited caller or visitor, even if the caller or visitor seems legitimate.
Report the incident to local police.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.
