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Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation is alerting customers to a sharp increase in sophisticated scam attempts targeting residents across the region. The Poughkeepsie-based utility company reported Thursday (February 19) that criminals are posing as company employees through multiple channels, including phone calls, text messages, emails, and in-person visits.
According to Central Hudson, scammers have been threatening immediate service shutoffs, demanding payment, and requesting sensitive financial information while falsely claiming to represent the utility. Some attempts involve spoofed phone numbers, realistic-looking emails, and individuals wearing branded clothing with identification that appears legitimate.
Danielle Caruso, Central Hudson's Director of Information Security and Corporate Security, emphasized the growing sophistication of these criminals. "Scammers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and aggressive in their attempts to pressure customers," Caruso said. "If you're ever unsure whether a call, message, or interaction is legitimate, hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door, and contact Central Hudson immediately."
The utility company outlined several red flags customers should watch for. Warning signs include requests for payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps. Unexpected visits from individuals claiming to be utility employees who request payment or access to homes should also raise concerns, though legitimate Central Hudson employees do carry proper identification and will show it upon request.
Additional scam tactics reported include demands for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords. Fraudsters have also claimed customers are owed refunds for overpayments, then requested bank or credit card information. Other schemes involve bogus equipment or repair fees, fraudulent routing numbers for bill payments, and "smishing" text messages designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive data.
Central Hudson emphasized that the company will never request payment through gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The utility also does not threaten immediate service shutoffs without prior written notice. Legitimate employees always carry proper identification and only direct customers to established payment channels.
Customers who believe they are being targeted should hang up, ignore the message, and contact Central Hudson directly using the phone number on their bill or through the company's official website. The utility also recommends reporting suspected scams to local law enforcement and the New York State Department of Public Service.