Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the County Division of Consumer Affairs are warning residents about reports of a telephone scam in the state.
Individuals pretending to be PSE&G employees are calling New Jersey residents threatening to shut off electric or gas service if payment is not made that day. 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.
Hughes said if Mercer County residents receive a suspicious phone call they should hang up and contact the Division of Consumer Affairs immediately.
There have been reports of this telephone scam in various parts of the state, although the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs has not yet received any such cases.
The Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs can be reached at (609) 989-6671; PSE&G can be reached at 1-800-436-7734.
