Central Hudson Warns Customers of Bill Scams

Central Hudson has issued a warning to their customers about a payment scam. 

Charles A. Freni, senior vice president of customer services for Central Hudson, told customers to be very careful with protecting their personal account information.

Customers who receive personal visits, calls or emails are warned not to provide or verify their utility account or other personal information such as credit card, social security or bank routing number, as reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Freni went on to say:

We are receiving multiple reports of customers being contacted by telephone by individuals claiming to be with or representing Central Hudson, and stating that the customer did not make a deposit for an opt-out program and/or meter change. The caller then directs them to pay their utility bill using cash or an express wire transfer. Customers are also warned that thieves now access sophisticated equipment that allows them to forge caller identification in order to present false names and telephone numbers. As a result, some customers may even see Central Hudson’s name or telephone number displayed, when, in fact, the call is not originating here.

If a customer is unsure who the source of the call is, they should hang up and call Central Hudson at 845-452-2700.