The utility, which has offices in Mahwah and Northvale and delivers electricity to 58,000 customers in parts of Bergen County, provided tips to "learn to tell a real Orange & Rockland employee from a fake one."
First there are the phone scammers, the warning says, who may:
- Manipulate your caller ID to display O&R's name.
- Threaten to turn off power to your home or business within an hour.
- Demand immediate payment – often by prepaid debit card.
If you get such a call:
• Hang up and call the police or O&R's Security Services at (845) 577-3526 or 1-(877) 434-4100.
There are also the door-to-door scams.
"When someone comes to your door claiming to be from Orange & Rockland, ask for credentials," the utility said. "It's not rude, it's safe."
What you need to know:
- A genuine O&R employee will gladly produce identification. An imposter won't;
- The real worker will also wear an official photo ID with his or her name and employee number on it;
- O&R employees are trained to give you his or her supervisor's name and the unique "ticket" number assigned to your job;
- They'll also ask you to call O&R's Security Services at 1-845-577-3526 or 1-877-434-4100 to verify their identity.
If anything makes you uncomfortable, IMMEDIATELY call the police or O&R's Security Services at 1-845-577-3526 or 1-877-434-4100.
The sooner authorities can respond, the better chance there is of protecting you and your neighbors.
"Keep others safe," O&R officials urge. "Share these tips with your neighbors, family members, and the elderly."
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