O&R Warns Residents Of Utility Scams

Orange & Rockland (O&R) issued a warning to its customers about scammers pretending to be from O&R and threatening their targets unless they immediately pay them money.

O&R says that scammers may:

• Call you on the phone and manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from O&R.
• Threaten to turn off the power unless you immediately pay “outstanding bills”.
• Demand that payments be made using a prepaid debit card.

It’s all a scam, of course and O&R encourages you to call their Security Services at 1-845-577-3526 or 1-877-434-4100 if you receive such a call.

If someone claiming to be from O&R shows up at your door unexpectedly, don’t let them in. Ask for an official O&R photo ID, their supervisor’s name and the order bearing the unique ticket number assigned to your job. If you’re suspicious, it may be better to call the police.

O&R states that their employees:

• Will readily produce proof of their identity.
• Always wear a photo ID showing their name and employee number.
• Always give you their supervisor’s name, ticket number for the job and explain why they are there.
• Ask you to call O&R Security Services to validate their identity.

Here is the link to O&R’s official web page on the subject: https://www.oru.com/en/home-energy-safety/beware-of-scammers. Read it and please take this very seriously.

This also goes to everyone no matter where you live. Scammers are using these tactics to steal money and in some cases gain entry to your home.

Don’t comply with threats over the phone, this is a sure way of losing money; and please, don’t let anyone into your home unless you’re absolutely sure of their identity and what their intentions are. Better yet, have a trusted friend or family member with you even on planned visits.

Always think safety first.

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