National Grid is warning consumers about a utility bill payment scam. Scammers are calling National Grid customers and claiming to be a official representatives. They have been calling businesses in the Rhode Island area and claiming that the businesses have a past due account balance. The scammers threaten to turn off the business' utilities if immediate payment over the phone is not received. 
National Grid warns customers that they do call about past due balances, but they do not demand immediate payment over the phone.
Customers should contact National Grid if they believe they have been contacted under fraudulent circumstances or if they believe they have been victim to this scam.
If you are contacted by an alleged National Grid representative, BBB advises you to end the conversation and contact National Grid. This way, customers will know who they’re contacting and can inquire about any outstanding bills.
As always, never give out personal or banking information to unfamiliar people. For more information, visit, http://www.abc6.com/story/23110034/national-grid-warns-customers-about-scam.
Small businesses owners should be on the lookout for a deceptive mailing that claims to be from Rhode Island Corporate Compliance. According to ABC6, the letter asks businesses to fill out a form and attach a $125 check. Many businesses are being misled because the documents look official.
In April 2013, a similar mailing scam targeted Maine businesses and was sent from Corporate Records Services, located in Augusta. The letter offered to complete corporate meeting minutes for a $125 fee. Other states including Massachusetts, Georgia, Ohio and Indiana have issued warnings against deceptive mailing scams from Compliance Services.
BBB encourages business owners to do some research on any solicitations they receive that ask for payment, even if the document looks official. Do not provide business information or a payment until you have completely checked out the offer and organization.
