Eversource warns customers of 'sophisticated phone scammers'

Eversource is warning customers in Connecticut of a spike in sophisticated scam calls aimed to exploit customers and steal their money. 
Eversource says scams typically increase during the holiday season, but a new scam is using deceptive marketing tactics to convince customers to switch energy suppliers. 
They say the scammers often pose as Eversource employees in order to exploit customers. 
The newest scam uses a sophisticated automated system to deceive customers into thinking they have actually reached a legitimate customer service number.
Officials say the recording sounds so convincing that it even offers callers the options to have the message read to them in Spanish before connecting them to a operator.   
Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Connerre released a statement saying, "We always want to protect our customers from scams, and that’s why it’s critical we continue to raise awareness and educate the public about all the different tactics the scammers use. If someone shows up at your home or calls you and demands immediate payment, do not give it to them. Call us right away at 1-800-286-2000 to verify any request for payment or personal information.”
Eversouce officials say customer representatives never demand instant payment in person or over the phone; do not require the use of prepaid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit; and never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store.
Eversource says it does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers, and all Eversource employees carry photo identification including field workers who wear company logoed clothing and drive company vehicles.