New phone scam affecting Central Hudson customers

POUGHKEEPSIE – Central Hudson is alerting
its customers of a bill payment scam.

Customers are receiving calls from fake Central Hudson employees telling
them to pay by cash or money order or their services would be shut off.

“Central Hudson would never request a bill payment in this way,”
said Charles Freni, senior vice president of customer services for Central
Hudson. “Customers are also warned that thieves have access sophisticated
equipment that allows them to forge caller identification in order to
present false names and telephone numbers. As a result, some customers
may even see Central Hudson’s name or telephone number displayed,
when, in fact, the call is not originating here.”

If there is an uncertainty, Freni said customers should hang up and call
Central Hudson at 845-452-2700 for confirmation.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.