National Grid Urges Customers to Be Aware of Rising Scam Calls

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WALTHAM, Mass. — National Grid is alerting customers to be aware of scam calls targeting residents and businesses across its service territory.

If contacted by someone claiming to represent the company, National Grid recommends that customers always ask for identification.

These scams typically involve callers claiming a customer's account is past due and threatening immediate service disconnection unless payment is made. Scammers may also use "spoof" phone numbers, so calls appear from National Grid.

National Grid reminds customers that while the company may contact customers regarding their accounts or service, it will never demand immediate payment through prepaid cards, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or third-party payment apps.

Customers should be aware of common red flags, including:

  • Threats of immediate service disconnection without prior written notice
  • Requests for personal, financial, or account information
  • Demands for immediate payment using prepaid or non-traditional payment methods
  • Callers who cannot verify account details

National Grid encourages customers to verify any suspicious communication by contacting the company directly using the phone number listed on their bill. Customers should never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.

If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately and report the incident to National Grid or local law enforcement.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough OKs Open Space Plan, Short-Term Rental Forms

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday set fees for short-term rentals and adopted an Open Space and Recreation Plan.
 
Town Administrator Gina Dario discussed the draft for STR registration and certificate of inspection since the new bylaws were passed at the annual town meeting.
 
The draft shows the process to file for inspection through Permit Eyes, the town's online permitting system that includes the state building code and safety requirements. Dario said members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals and the building commissioner looked at other town models to come up with the best process for registration.
 
Inspections will be annually for non-owner occupied units and five years for owner-occupied. The inspection fee is a flat $50. The last suggestion discussed was the posting requirements for key information.
 
Dario said they looked at about four other communities on how they used non-sensitive information on owner contacts. Chair Deborah Maynard motioned to have the information posted both inside and out to help with law enforcement if needed.
 
"I'm going to make a motion that we put that relevant information not only on the inside of the short-term rental but on the outside, so if the police need to respond, ambulance needs to respond, fire especially needs to respond, all that information is there, nobody has to go searching for it," she said. "If push comes to shove, and it's a matter of minutes, that's going to make a big, a big difference in the outcome of the incident."
 
The board then heard a presentation from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's community planner Andrew McKeever and Open Space and Recreation Committee Vice Chair Mark Hawthorne.
 
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