Hingham, MA - A resident fell victim to a phone scam when they believed was their utility company was calling demanding immediate payment. The resident sent almost $1,000 from a direct money transfer.

On January 20, 2021 a 52 year old resident reported they received a call from a person who identified themselves as being from Eversource and they needed to pay their full electric bill immediately. The caller said their electricity would be turned off that day if the bill was not paid. The resident was aware their bill about $450 but the caller insisted the amount due was $996. The resident made a money transfer from their bank using Zelle (mobile payment application). 

The resident later learned it was a scam and found the phone number no longer in service.

This is a reoccurring scam that has frequently targeted business, especially restaurants, here in Hingham and across the country. The scammers typically tell the resident or business owner that electricity (or gas) would be turned off unless payment is sent immediately. As always, we encourage people to call their utility company back on a phone number listed online or printed on their bill. Never call them using the number the scammer gives or the caller ID number displayed (which can be easily changed). ### Contact P.I.O. Sgt. Steven Dearth