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The City of Cambridge is urging residents to stay vigilant against an uptick in utility-related scams that often target households during colder months. Scammers may pose as representatives from utility companies or the City, attempting to pressure residents into making immediate payments or sharing sensitive information.
If someone calls you asking for money, it is a scam. No legitimate representative from the City of Cambridge, Eversource, or Direct Energy Services, LLC (Direct Energy) will ever demand payment over the phone.
Direct Energy, Eversource, and the City do not make sales calls to Cambridge customers. Any unsolicited call offering to switch your electricity supplier, provide discounted rates, or collect payment should be treated as fraudulent. If a service is going to be disconnected, a letter will always be sent in advance.
Communications from the City of Cambridge always bear the City seal.
No payment is ever required to enroll in Cambridge Community Electricity. Residents are automatically enrolled and can opt out any time without paying a fee.
Scams often rely on creating a sense of urgency. The City encourages residents to carefully review and verify information, and follow these safety tips:
Verify the caller. A legitimate representative will always be able to tell you the name on the account, the service address, and the exact past-due balance. If they cannot, hang up.
Never pay immediately — no matter what the caller says. If someone pressures you to make an instant payment, especially through a third-party service, prepaid debit card, or gift cards, it is a scam. Hang up and contact your utility directly using the number on your bill.
Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Once money is wired, it cannot be recovered.
Do not accept “special offers” to pay your bill. Anyone proposing to help you pay your bill or provide any service for a fee — even if they claim to be from Eversource — is almost certainly a scammer.
Avoid clicking on unexpected links. Scammers frequently use emails and texts that appear to come from trusted organizations. Clicking links can install malware or viruses that steal your personal information. Delete the message and contact your utility directly if you’re unsure.
The City of Cambridge is committed to keeping residents safe and informed. If you believe you have been victimized by a scam, we encourage you to notify your financial institutions and file a report with your local police department. For incidents that took place in Cambridge, reports can be filed at the front desk of the Cambridge Police Station located at 125 Sixth Street, in the Central Square Reporting Station, or by calling (617) 349-3300.
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