POUGHKEEPSIE – Central Hudson is alerting customers about an increase in scam attempts across the region involving individuals posing as utility employees through phone calls, emails, text messages, and in-person visits.
The company has received reports of scammers threatening immediate service shutoffs, demanding payment, or requesting personal and financial information while falsely claiming to represent Central Hudson. Often times, these scams can appear highly convincing and may include spoofed phone numbers, official‑looking emails, or individuals wearing branded clothing and identification.
“Scammers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and aggressive in their attempts to pressure customers,” said Danielle Caruso, Director of Information Security & Corporate Security. “If you’re ever unsure whether a call, message, or interaction is legitimate, hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door, and contact Central Hudson immediately.”
Central Hudson urges customers to be alert for the following red flags such as requests for payment via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or peer‑to‑peer apps, unexpected visits from individuals claiming to be utility employees requesting payment or access to your home. All Central Hudson employees carry identification and will show it upon request and calls, texts, or emails asking customers to verify Social Security numbers, bank account details, passwords, or other sensitive information.
Central Hudson emphasizes that the company will never request payment through gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, threaten immediate service shutoff without prior written notice, ensure employees carry proper identification.
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