Scams and Frauds
Security matters. At Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), your safety and security are our top priorities.
Understand how to protect yourself from scams and frauds.
Recognizing common scams
Scammers often pose as utility representatives to deceive customers. They may pay a visit to your home or business, or communicate with you:
Via email (phishing):
Fraudsters send emails to individuals aiming to obtain sensitive information.
Via phone call (vishing):
Fraudsters use phone calls to obtain sensitive information. They may spoof a legitimate phone number, making it appear like the call is coming from a trusted business.
Via text messages (smishing):
Scammers send text messages (SMS) to individuals to obtain sensitive information.
Be vigilant against these tactics
Disconnection threats
Scammers claim your account is overdue and threaten immediate service disconnection unless you make a prompt payment, often via prepaid debit cards or other non-refundable methods.
Meter payment scams
Fraudsters may insist you need to pay for a new meter or an upgrade immediately, typically using a prepaid debit card or another non-refundable form of payment.
Personal information requests
Unsolicited calls or emails requesting sensitive data like Social Security numbers or banking details.
Overpayment scam
You may receive a call claiming that you overpaid your utility bill and requesting your personal bank account or credit card information to give you a refund.
Door-to-door imposters
Scammers impersonate utility workers to gain your trust and access to your home. They might claim to be conducting a repair, investigating a supposed gas leak or even claim they are looking into scams in your area.
When and how we may contact you
We may contact you by phone, email or text to inform you about our services, alerts you've set up or activities in your area, while respecting your privacy and complying with data protection laws.
If contacted by someone claiming to be from CNG, hang up and call our customer service numbers: 860.524.8361 (Greater Hartford) or 203.869.6900 (Greenwich).
We will never:
- Ask you to email us any personal information, such as payment/financial details or your address
- Ask you for your password
- Send you programs to install on your computer
- Terminate a customer’s service without providing notice for non-payment.
- Perform shut-offs during hours when the Customer Service Center is closed.
Reporting suspected scams
Report the incident to our customer service team. Call us at 860.524.8361 (Greater Hartford) and 203.869.6900 (Greenwich) from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Inform law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Protective measures
Check documentation
Contractors working for CNG always carry documentation explaining the nature and location of their work.
Guard personal information
Never share personal or financial details unless you’re certain of the recipient’s identity. Never share your password. Learn how to build strong passwords.
Use official payment channels
Make payments through CNG’s authorized methods. To check your bill, log in to MyAccount.
We will never demand payment via prepaid cards, such as Green Dot cards.
Be cautious with emails and texts
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Check ID
CNG representatives always carry company-issued photo identification and will always provide it when asked.
Enroll in AutoPay
When you enroll in AutoPay, the amount due is securely and automatically deducted from a bank account each month, ensuring no outstanding balance concerns.