Scam Alert : County on lookout for O & R impersonators

Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) is warning customers to be on the lookout for scammers posing as O&R representatives. The utility reminds customers that scammers are inventive, resourceful and persistent, and there are some measures to take to avoid becoming a victim.

“As scammers become more imaginative, we want our customers to know they can empower themselves,” said Janette Espino, Orange and Rockland Utilities’ vice president, Customer Service. “A customer who receives a demand for immediate payment or feels pressured to give up personal information can stop the scammer by remaining composed and refusing to play along. But it all starts with recognizing the scammers’ deceptive tactics.”

O&R officials remind customers that they never call to demand immediate payment under threat of shut down or disconnection. They also never request customers pay their bill by pre-paid card, or by a cash app like
Venmo or Zelle.

If you are contacted by a representative who says they work for O&R and you suspect the call may be a scam, company officials recommend hanging up and calling O&R at 1-833-460-7059 to get confirmation.

“Utility impostor scammers continue to grow more sophisticated in their tactics,” said Monica Martinez, executive director of Utilities United Against Scams. “Increasingly, we are seeing scammers use digital methods that target both younger and older generations. We encourage customers to stop and verify any unusual utility company requests before making a payment, regardless of whether the customer is contacted via phone, internet, or in person.”