Long Island Power Authority Releases Scam Warning

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has just released a warning telling customers about a utility bill scam to be on the lookout for.  Customers have been calling into LIPA to report that they have received phone calls, seemingly from LIPA, regarding past-due payments and demanding that payments be made.  The phone calls do not really come from LIPA, but from scammers posing as LIPA agents.  The scam concerns the use of pre-paid cards which the real LIPA does not use at all. 

Another version of the scam goes like this:  The scammer calls the customer, telling him or her that the meter installed is faulty, and that it needs to be replaced immediately for a fee.  In reality, LIPA owns these meters and takes care of issues pertaining to them, and no fees are paid for replacements. 

If you receive an unusual call from an agent claiming to be from LIPA and demanding you pay extra money, do not provide your personal information.  Instead, call Customer Care at 1-800-490-0025 or 631-755-6000.  It is always better to be safe than sorry, and you can also take the opportunity to report the scam and describe the event so that others may be warned.

Ralph C Recent Columns | E-Mail Also Read: Plein Air Peconic VII Celebrate the Coming of the New Year with Jewelry Savings CNN's Randi Kaye to Host Friends of Karen's Gala Brookhaven's Ion Collider in Jeopardy

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