AG James, County Respond to Report of Fake RG&E Customer Service Number
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is warning residents to be careful and vigilant regarding a false toll-free TTY customer service phone number printed on Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) bills, giving scammers an opportunity to commit financial fraud.
The counterfeit customer service number came to light by a recent News 10 NBC report.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t be exposed to scams from trusted utility providers, and my office is very seriously reviewing these allegations,” said James. “I encourage any New Yorker who was exposed to this fraud to contact my office.”
James is investigating the matter in hopes of finding out how a fraudulent number was sent to RG&E customers.
James and County Executive Bello advised New Yorkers who suspect that they are the victim of a scam to report it to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.
“It is clear from the News 10 NBC investigation that Monroe County residents have been exposed to potentially fraudulent and costly activity,” Bello said. "I also spoke with the CEO of RG&E to express my outrage that such a number was allowed to remain on customers’ bills. Customers of RG&E deserve better.”
Bello said he spoke with Attorney General James and is grateful that the situation is being reviewed to ensure the protection of Monroe County residents are protected.
According to the News 10 NBC report, individuals who called the false TTY number seeking assistance with billing issues were told those issues would be resolved if they provided their banking information to allow for direct deposit of a refund. After providing that information, the individuals discovered numerous fraudulent charges made to their checking accounts.
The fraudulent number is still listed on the most recent RG&E bills. The company asks any customers who require use of a TTY line dial 711 for assistance.
Nice to see RGE being scrutinized, but among the mounting list of unacceptable practices by this company, community control needs to be the result and downfall of this authoritarian business.