Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck is warning residents about scammers impersonating NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas) representatives. These callers or messages may threaten immediate power shutoff unless payment is made right away.
Warning Signs of a Scam:
- Demands for immediate payment
- Requests for gift cards, prepaid cards, Venmo, CashApp, or other unusual payment methods
- Threats of immediate service shutoff
- Caller ID appears to be from NYSEG
- High-pressure or aggressive tactics
How to Protect Yourself:
- Hang up and contact NYSEG directly using the phone number on your bill
- Do not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers
- Report suspected scams to NYSEG and local law enforcement
Sheriff Schenck urges the community to share this alert, especially to help protect seniors and other vulnerable residents.
