National Grid Warns Against Scammers

BOSTON (AP) -- Electric and natural gas utility National Grid is warning its customers not to fall for a bill-paying scam that asks them to disclose Social Security and bank routing numbers.

The utility says scammers claim customers can have their utility bills paid under a federal government program.

No such program exists.

The solicitations have been made door-to-door, online and in through phone calls. The company says customers are asked for Social Security and bank routing numbers, then given fake account numbers said to be for payment on their behalf.

Customers are urged to alert police if they're approached about the scam.

National Grid delivers electricity to 3.3 million customers and natural gas to 3.4 million customers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York.

Lucas Willard, WAMC News.

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