Burlington County warns residents of phone scam

Burlington County Freeholder Director Leah Arter and the county Division of Consumer Protection are warning residents about a telephone scam in which individuals pretending to be PSE&G employees threaten to shut off electric or gas service if payment is not made immediately.

“Our residents must be aware of this type of scam or any scam for that matter,” Arter said. “Residents are urged to call our Division of Consumer Protection if they receive any calls regarding this topic.”

The callers demand that customers make a payment within hours using a Green Dot Money Pak, a type of pre-paid card available at pharmacies and convenience stores. PSE&G offers a variety of payment options but does not accept these cards. PSE&G customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice on their bill at least 10 days in advance, according to the utility.

There have been reports of this telephone scam in various parts of the state, although the Burlington County Division of Consumer Protection has not yet received any such cases.

The Burlington County Division of Consumer Protection can be reached at (609) 265–5054. PSE&G can be reached at (1–800) 436–7734.