Business & Tech

UI Warns Customers About Scam

Two Hamden residents have recently fell victim to people claiming to be from a utility company to gain entrance to homes to rob.

 

United Illuminating officials are reporting seeing an increase in customer inquiries about individuals arriving at their homes, claiming they work on behalf of a utility company, asking for personal information, account data and looking for access into the residence.

There have been two such incidents in Hamden in recent weeks.

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None of the UIL companies -- United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas Company and Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation -- routinely sends employees or third party representatives to any customer homes without a prearranged appointment or prior acknowledgement. In addition, all employees wear company identifiers and prominently display photo identification. 

If customers are asked for any personal information or sense suspicious activity by any person claiming to be an employee of one of our utilities, they should immediately call 911 and also notify their utility company. 

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“Unfortunately, there are individuals that prey on unsuspecting customers,” said Michael A. West Jr. – UIL’s director of Corporate Communications.  “We simply want to alert the public to this activity and ensure they know how to respond if confronted with this situation.”

UIL and its operating companies will remain vigilant on maintaining customer safety and have provided information to employees who work in the field. 

 TIPS FOR CUSTOMERS:

  • UI, SCG & CNG typically do NOT visit customers’ homes without a prearranged appointment or prior notification.
  • Always ask to see a UI, SCG or CNG photo ID.  All employees wear company identifiers and all have visible photo identification.
  • In a field visit, UI, SCG & CNG employees do NOT require customers to provide account numbers or other confidential information.
  • If you have any doubt about a person at your home, call 911.  Customers can also call their local utility. 
      • UI – 1-800-722-5584
      • SCG – 800-513-8898
      • CNG -  860-524-8361         

 

 


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