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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In the bustling streets of New York City, amidst the cacophony of urban life, lurk individuals with malicious intent, preying on unsuspecting residents under the guise of legitimate professionals. One of the latest schemes to infiltrate the safety of households involves impostors posing as ConEd employees, purportedly arriving to inspect gas meters. While the premise may seem innocuous, the reality is far more sinister, as these impostors exploit trust to perpetrate various crimes, ranging from theft to potentially life-threatening situations. Understanding the modus operandi of these impostors is crucial for New Yorkers to safeguard themselves and their homes.
A ConEd spokesperson told the Jewish Voice that utility customers can request that someone claiming to represent their company display official identification in the form of a card. Moreover, ConEd claims that customers are sent a postcard letting them know that they will expect a visit from ConEd to check gas lines or meters. Customers are legally obligated to allow ConEd to check their meters but the spokesperson said that the employee is not permitted to tamper with the meter.
Moreover, ConEd has now started to issue notices saying that they have come to a customer’s premises to install a new “Smart” meter but claim that they could not complete the work due to a physical or environmental condition that prevented access. The notice also says that a customer’s account will be charged a $100 “No Access Fee” each month that ConEd is unable to access their equipment. Customers are advised in the notice to contact ConEd at an 800 number to schedule an appointment.
The ConEd spokesperson said that customers will be held responsible to remit payment of the $100 fee if they do not arrange to grant access to ConEd for the purpose of checking the meter or installing a new one.
In July 2022, a law firm known as Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson, and Garber announced on their web site that they were investigating the “No Access Fees” that Con Edison charges New York City residents in connection with “smart meter” installations.
On its website, Con Edison claims that it reaches out to New York City residents approximately three months before its planned energy meter replacements in their neighborhoods. ConEd’s website also states that residents whose electric meters are inside their homes must make an appointment to allow ConEd to access their meter.
ConEd claims that it has the authority to charge residents a $100 “No Access Fee” for each month those residents do not schedule an appointment.
The Finkelstein law firm said that there is evidence that residents never receive ConEd notifications about scheduling access appointments but ConEd continues to charge them $100 per month. Residents continue to be charged large monthly fees for not recognizing or not responding to ConEd’s inadequate or nonexistent disclosure. Further evidence suggests that ConEd may not have authority to charge residents “No Access Fees” at all, and that the monthly $100 charges it levels against New York City Residents are unlawful.
FBFG has filed similar class actions against energy companies charging illegal or inadequately disclosed fees and may file similar lawsuits on behalf of Con Edison customers who paid $100 “No Access” monthly fees.
The FBFG firm concludes by saying that if “you are a Con Edison customer and were charged a $100 “No Access Fee” without notice, or with inadequate notice from ConEd, please contact us immediately to discuss your legal options. Should a lawsuit be brought, there is no cost or fee involved in joining the case.”
A ConEd customer in Astoria, Queens posted a complaint online that said, “My door rang this morning and I went to it because I’m expecting someone for my fridge, but it was someone in a ConEd jacket saying he was coming to read the meter. I was confused and then he said no one has read it in seven months, and that’s how we get billed, which threw me off because I just pay online every month. He said they could come back another time so I didn’t let him in, but is this normal? Or was I right to deny entry? He knew my name, if that’s worth anything.”
Another ConEd customer wrote: “If ConEd doesn’t read your meter, they just estimate the reading. This may or may not be accurate so you could be paying the inappropriate amount. Most homes probably have a digital meter that is uploaded online so they don’t have to physically check your meter. I would suggest requesting Con Edison to install one for you if that is your situation.”
“If you’re home/meter hasn’t had a smart meter installed yet, then the meter readers will still come around. You can always call the 1-800-75-CONED customer service line with the person’s name and employee number from their ID card to confirm them. However, fake Con Ed imposters do happen. If they claim they are Con Edison, next time, call Con Edison and ask them to verify if they were sent out to your home, “ posted a ConEd customer in the Bronx.
The impostors employ a variety of deceptive tactics to gain entry into homes. They often dress convincingly, wearing uniforms resembling those of authentic ConEd employees and carrying falsified identification badges. Armed with a confident demeanor and plausible explanations, they approach residences during opportune moments, exploiting residents’ trust in utility service providers.
Central to the impostors’ success is their ability to project an aura of legitimacy. They exploit the familiarity of ConEd by leveraging the public’s trust in the company’s credibility. These impostors effectively disarm suspicions, making it easier to gain access to homes under false pretenses.
Unauthorized individuals tampering with gas meters pose serious safety hazards, potentially resulting in gas leaks, explosions, or fires. If a meter is tampered with, that also means much higher utility bills. Moreover, the psychological impact of such violations of personal space can be profound, eroding residents’ sense of security and trust in their surroundings.
In light of these threats, adopting proactive measures becomes imperative for New York City residents:
Verification Protocols: Always demand proper identification from individuals claiming to be ConEd employees. Legitimate representatives will readily provide official credentials upon request.
Contact Confirmation: Prior to granting access, verify the authenticity of the visit by contacting ConEd’s customer service hotline. Genuine employees will be listed in the company’s records, providing reassurance regarding the legitimacy of the visit.
Physical Security Measures: Install peepholes or security cameras at entry points to monitor visitors. Additionally, reinforce the importance of household safety protocols with family members, emphasizing the significance of skepticism towards unsolicited visitors.
Community Awareness: Spread awareness within local communities regarding the prevalence of such scams. By sharing information and experiences, residents can collectively fortify their defenses against potential threats.
In the event of encountering suspicious individuals posing as ConEd employees, swift action is paramount. Report any incidents of impostor encounters to local authorities and ConEd’s official channels promptly.
