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.

15 People Displaced in Pittsfield Home Fires

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fifteen people were displaced after 2-alarm home fires this weekend on Springside Avenue and Elaine Drive. 

On Friday evening, the Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 209 Springside Ave., which took a four-hour battle to extinguish and resulted in a partial roof collapse. The next day, on Saturday evening, crews knocked down a fire at 121 Elaine Drive in about an hour. 

The garage and part of the single-family home on Elaine Drive were gutted to the frame, along with a vehicle parked in the driveway. On Springside Avenue, the top level and porch of the multifamily were burned through.  

A GoFundMe has been started for the family of the Elaine Drive home, which includes several young children.  The fundraiser, with a $5,500 goal, explains they lost their home and all of their belongings. (iBerkshires.com does not confirm or endorse fundraisers; they are provided as information only.)

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries, and both incidents are under investigation.  One dog was rescued on Springside Avenue. 

On Oct. 10, around 6:15 p.m., PFD responded to the Springside Avenue home for a reported structure fire and saw a 2 1/2-story wood frame multifamily with a heavy blaze showing from the second-floor front porch, extending out. 

The building suffered a partial roof collapse, which prolonged extinguishment. The fire was brought under control after about four hours.

“An aggressive offensive attack was mounted by first arriving crews stretching hose lines into the building as well as primary searches that proved negative. Ladders were placed around the structure to provide access as well as escape if needed. An off-duty Fire Captain had also been on scene early in the incident to help evacuate the structure and rescue a dog,” PFD wrote in a press release. 

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