CATSKILL, NY — Police are warning residents about a sophisticated scam involving callers impersonating Central Hudson utility company.
The Catskill Police Department said scammers are calling people and claiming their utility accounts are delinquent and require immediate payment.
The callers then send a barcode or link and instruct victims to go to a store such as Walmart or other retailers to scan it and make a payment.
Police said scammers are making the calls seem legitimate by playing Central Hudson-style hold music, using recorded voice messages that sound like the company’s automated system, and spoofing phone numbers so the call appears to come from Central Hudson.
Central Hudson will never ask customers to pay using barcodes, QR codes, gift cards, cryptocurrency or retail store payments, police said.
The utility company also will never demand immediate payment by phone or threaten instant shut-off, or ask for personal or banking information through unsolicited calls or texts.
Police are advising residents who receive such calls to hang up immediately and not scan barcodes, click links or go to a store.
Residents should verify their account by calling Central Hudson directly using the number on their bill or the company’s official website, not a number given by the caller.
Police said caller ID can be faked.
Anyone who believes they have been contacted or targeted should report it to local law enforcement.
