Message left: something along the lines of: "Hello, this is Mrs. Peterson -- I've been trying to reach you about supply charges on your RGE electric bill ...". "Mrs. Peterson" then provided what appears to be a phone # local to our area, greater Rochester NY: 585 285-4403, before giving a Reference #, comprised of 1 alpha character, followed by 4 numerics.
With *our* Caller ID blocked, I called (585) 285-4403. There was some recorded message such as: "Your call is very important to us -- please stay on the line, & your call will be taken by the next available operator".
At some point during the wait, there was some light classical music playing at very low volume, but then there was a quick caveat: "This call may be recorded", *immediately* followed by someone coming on the line. She sounded as though she might be 20-something, & spoke in a clear & pleasant voice as she said something like: "Hello, my name is Tanis [or Tania, or some-such], do you have a Reference #?" I deepened my voice & said "NO". There was an ever-so-brief pause before she then said something such as, "With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"
I believe I responded with something very like: "I'm not going to tell you, but I *am* going to tell RG&E about these calls, & I may *also* report them to the NY State Attorney General". I terminated the call, & called RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric) Customer Service, & (after identifying our account) I recounted the calls. The RG&E Rep. said that recently a lot of their customers had received calls from "Mrs. Peterson".
If you get a similar call, & *if* you return the call: (1) do so with your Caller ID blocked, & (2) make sure that you *don't* reflexively say "Yes", when asked if you have a Reference #.
Suggestion: Whether you return the call or not, contact your electric or power utility & tell them that you would like a "Retail Access Block" on your account, so that you can't unknowingly be switched over to an "electricity retailer".
An "electricity retailer" might possibly quote you *apparently* cheaper rates, but they will be transmitting & distributing that so-called cheaper electricity using the existing infra-structure that your community's electric or power utility developed, maintains, & supports, & so you will pay the transmission & distribution costs incurred when using that infra-structure, + auxiliary maintenance & support costs (including even the statement preparation), that the electric/power utility has historically incurred, & still incurs, in delivering electricity.
Recvd call from woman stating she represented an energy company representing NYSEG, asking if I wanted a lower rate for electric bill & she wanted me to give her a card number off the electric bill. I asked her if she was aware that she's working for a fraudulent company & she, obviously, said no.
The woman asked for my son, who doesn't have an acct with NYSEG. hehe, and, the caller ID came up as "Do Not Use" as the caller's name, immediately I thought that was strange. When is the FCC going to pass a law that forces companies to use their own telephone number?
Got the call. Thought they implied they were from NYSEG and wanted to refer to page 1 of my bill. I said This is a scam. He said Scam? This is not a scam! I'm calling you about your electric bill! I asked for his badge # and he didn't know what I was talking about. U repeated Your employee #, so I can check to see if you actually work for NYSEG. then. He said Oh....EMPLOYEE number... Then I hung up. Number is from NYC.