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State Warns Of CL&P Billing Scam

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – If you get a phone call from a person claiming to be from Connecticut Light and Power saying you owe money, make sure it’s legitimate before you pay anything.

Several residents across the state were recently contacted by scammers posing as representatives of the power company, seeking immediate payment, the state Department of Consumer Protection announced Tuesday.

Consumers reported they were contacted by a “Mike Anderson,” or “Jesse Fernandez,” who said they were from the CL&P billing department, according to a news release. One of the consumers reported “Anderson” said her power would be disconnected unless she paid nearly $300 using a GreenDot prepaid credit/debit card and called a different telephone number with the card's account information. Another consumer who received a call from “Fernandez” reported a similar experience.

The people who receive these phone calls later contacted CL&P and were informed that their accounts were in good standing and that they were the targets of a scam.

“The targeted consumers did the right thing by calling their utility to verify the caller’s claim, and I encourage anyone who gets this type of call to do the same,” Commissioner William Rubenstein said in the release.

“Never make any payment to someone who calls you over the phone unless you are absolutely certain that they are legitimate, and that you owe what they say you owe. Had those consumers followed the scammer’s instructions, their money would be long gone.”

If you believe you are the victim of or were targeted by this scam, you may file a written complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection at 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06141 or at dcp.frauds@ct.gov.  For questions about your CL&P account, please call the CL&P Customer Service Center toll-free at 800-286-2000.

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