Rye Police Warn About ConEd Scam Targeting Westchester Residents

Rye NY

05 November, 2021

2:59 PM

Description

RYE, NY — The City of Rye Police Department is warning residents of a con involving scam artists representing themselves as employees of Con Edison. The callers use a spoofed phone number (1-800-634-1633) that will appear on caller ID. The scammers will say they are from Con Edison and that they are letting the homeowner know electric will be cut off if the potential mark doesn't send them money right away. If the victim becomes suspicious and asks the fraudsters to verify they are indeed with Con Edison, they are emailed a mockup letter on Con Edison letterhead. The scammers will demand payment in the form of gift cards, Venmo, Zelle, or money transfer, police say. The City of Rye PD is advising to hang up and check the status of your current bill by calling an actual Con Ed representative, if you are contacted about an overdue utility bill. Officials say the utility companies can not and do not shut off services over the phone.