CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Clinton Township police are warning residents about scam calls from people posing as JCP&L representatives and threatening to shut off electric service unless an immediate payment is made.
Police said scammers are contacting residents and claiming their electric accounts are past due. The callers may provide a phone number that appears legitimate and connects to a convincing automated system in an effort to make the scheme appear authentic.
In one recent case, a local resident received one of the calls but contacted JCP&L directly to verify the information before making a payment, according to police. The resident learned the account was actually in good standing.
Police are reminding residents not to rely on caller ID or call a phone number provided by an unsolicited caller. Residents should also never provide payment or personal information in response to an unexpected call.
Anyone receiving a call threatening an immediate utility shut-off should hang up and contact the utility company directly using the telephone number listed on their bill or through the company’s official website.
Police urged residents to slow down and independently verify any claims about their accounts before providing information or making a payment.
