BANGOR and PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Officials with Emera Maine are urging customers to be aware of scams and to refrain from giving personal financial information in the case of a suspicious call.
At times, Emera Maine customers may be targeted by scammers claiming to be representing the utility, the company said in a press release. They may even make it appear as if the call is coming from an Emera Maine number. Often these calls: demand immediate payment; require payment be made by a prepaid debit card, Green Dot card, or other non-refundable form of payment; threaten immediate disconnection; or appear as Emera Maine on caller ID.
“Customers will never receive a call from an Emera Maine representative demanding immediate payment with the threat of disconnection. We will also never require payment by a prepaid debit card,” utility officials stated. “If a customer is facing disconnection they are notified by mail, may receive a notification by automated or personal call, and are encouraged to contact us to work out an arrangement. We make every effort to work with our customers. Disconnection is a last resort.”
The company shared the following tips for customers to safeguard themselves if they receive a call that is unexpected or sounds suspicious:
Never give out credit card or other payment information over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call.
End suspicious calls and contact Emera’s Customer Contact Center at (207) 973-2000 or 1 (855) EMERA-11 to ensure you are speaking with a company representative.
If you are contacted by an Emera Maine representative, they will ask for the primary account holder by name and will know your account and billing information.
Those who have fallen victim to the scam and paid the fraudulent caller should report the scam to local law enforcement as well as the state Attorney General’s Office. The AG may be reached toll free at 1 (800) 436-2131.
This information is also available at http://emeramaine.com/my-account/beware-of-scams/.
