There have been numerous reports in the North Country of scams calls using National Grid’s name.

The imposters typically tell the customer that their account is past due and threaten that service will be shutoff immediately unless they provide payment on a prepaid cash card, via Western Union or by credit card. They may also ask for the customers Social Security number and/or National Grid account number.

“Scam calls ebb and flow throughout the year. We have seen more reports over the past six months of scammers using National Grid’s name in their call, said “Jared Paventi, Strategic Communications Manager for National Grid.

National Grid offers the following tips:

Be vigilant. If you believe you are current on your National Grid account, it is highly likely a call seeking payment is a scam.

Protect yourself. Verify you are speaking with a National Grid representative. Ask the caller to provide the last five digits of your National Grid account number. If the caller doesn’t know your account number and phishes for help, take charge and hang up immediately.

Do not take the bait. Scammers will not have access to your account information, social security number or other personal details and you should never offer that information if asked. National Grid representatives will know your account number.

Scammers also may contact you by email and attempt to lure customers into clicking on a link, visiting a malicious website, revealing account information, or calling a phone number.

While National Grid may ask for a payment to be made over the phone, the payment method will be left to the customer’s discretion.

Do not fall for scare tactics and threats. National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other prepaid card service.

Do not cave to pressure. Never -- under any circumstances -- offer personal or financial information to someone who you cannot identify.

Every National Grid employee carries a photo ID card, and contractors working for the company are also required to carry ID. If someone requesting entry into your home or business does not show an ID card, don’t let that person in, and call National Grid or local law enforcement.

To learn more about protecting you and your loved ones from scams, please visit ngrid.com/scam.