The 104th Precinct said Friday that it has taken multiple reports from residents who have received phone calls from con men claiming to be from Con Edison – and who will threaten individuals with service disruptions if they do not send funds immediately via what is known as a “Green Dot MoneyPak.”
The scam is not only limited to utility companies, the 104th stressed: The unsolicited calls could be from anyone demanding immediate payment, such as callers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service.
The 104th issued a couple tips in light of this scam: One, be suspicious of any individual who calls you at home unsolicited and demands immediate payment. This is also true of unsolicited emails. Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment via Green Dot MoneyPak cards.
Two, never wire money or provide credit card, debit card, or Green Dot MoneyPak numbers to anyone you do not know.
For more information, contact the precinct at (718) 386-2431.
