Scammers are trying to exploit the heat wave to get your $$$

BEWARE: Scammers are using the heat wave to scare you into turning over your money.  They tell you that your electricity is being turned off for lack of payment.  Even a producer at Ch7 was almost tricked into paying.

National Grid urges customers to know the red flags:

-Always contact National Grid using the toll-free numbers listed on your account.  Don't call the number that a scammer will give you. 

-Be vigilant.  If you believe you are current on your National Grid account, it is highly likely a call seeking payment is a scam.

-Protect yourself.  Ask the caller to provide the last five digits of your National Grid account.  If the caller doesn't know your account number and fishes for help, take charge and hang up.

-Do not take the bait.  Scammers will not have access to your account - so don't give them that information if asked.

-National Grid may ask for payment over the phone, but will leave the method of payment to the customer.

-Don't fall for scare tactics.  National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other pre-paid card service.

-Do not cave to pressure.  Never - under any circumstances - offer personal or financial information to someone you cannot identify.

-Every National Grid employee carries a photo ID, and any contractor doing work for the company is also required to carry ID.  If in doubt, don't let that person into your home until you call National Grid.

7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly lets you hear what the scammers sound like in his report.