Community Corner

SCAM ALERT: Impostors Claim to Work for Utility Companies

United Illuminating warns customers about impostors posing as employees.

United Illuminating has issued a warning notifying customers about a regional scam involving impostors posing as employees of the utility company. 

According to UI, there has been an increase in reports of people claiming to be representatives of the United Illuminating Company (UI), the Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) visiting homes in the area, and asking for personal information, account data, and access to the property. 

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

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UI reminds customers that the utility company rarely sends representatives to homes without preearanging the visit over the phone, and that all employees prominently display identification.

In light of the scam alert, the UI has issued the following tips to its customers:

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  • 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.


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