State: NSTAR advises customers to be aware of a growing scam

The utility company NSTAR is warning customers to not fall for a scam where they’re being told to pay their NSTAR bill with a Green Dot pre-paid card.

“This is a scam that we had heard of awhile back in other parts of the state and actually in other parts of the country,” says NSTAR spokesman, Mike Durand

Scammers are telling NSTAR customers that their electricity will be immediately shut off if they don’t purchase the pre-paid card at a local business within one to four hours of the call. Once a customer purchases the card, they’re instructed to callback a provided number where the scammers walk them through the entire payment process.

“What we advise customers to do if the get this call or any type of call where they just feel uncomfortable, feel it’s not legitimate, the best thing to do is to hang up the phone,” explains Durand

According to NSTAR, law enforcement officials are currently investigating the scam but they’re recommending that customers call police and the utility company if they receive a call similar in nature.