Donald C. Cudmore, Chief of Police
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 29, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net
Georgetown Police Warn Businesses About National Grid Scam
GEORGETOWN — Police Chief Donald Cudmore would like to alert the business community about a recent National Grid scam and remind proprietors to never give into threats.
The Georgetown Police Department has received multiple reports of a representative from National Grid or the Georgetown Municipal Light Department calling business owners to notify them their power will be shut off within a few minutes if payment is not received via a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.
If a victim gives away a pre-paid debit card number or makes a wire transfer, the money is gone and lost forever. There is usually no way to recover those funds.
“Do not respond to these threats, it is a scam,” Chief Cudmore said. “Neither National Grid nor the electric company would call you demanding payment under any circumstances. These callers are usually intimidating and convincing, but their statements carry no weight. Hang up and report this to the police department immediately.”
Other characteristics of scams include:
• Scammers generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
• Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security Number.
• Scammers spoof the National Grid number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s legitimate.
• Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.
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