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Beware of Utility Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraud

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in impersonating legitimate utility representatives both in person and through digital channels. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) urges all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and informed.

If you are ever in doubt about the identity of an employee or the validity of a request, please call DEP Customer Service at (718) 595-7000 to speak to one of our representatives.

How to Verify DEP Field Employees

Impersonators may claim to be from DEP to gain access to your property. If someone claiming to be from DEP behaves suspiciously, do not allow them entry. Instead, call DEP Customer Service at (718) 595-7000 to verify their identity.

DEP field employees:

  • Always travel in marked DEP vehicles
  • Wear official DEP uniforms
  • Carry a visible DEP-issued photo ID badge
  • Never request or accept payment on-site
DEP Field Employee

Digital and Phone Scams

Scammers may contact you via phone calls, text messages, or emails. Scammers often try to pressure or scare you into making a quick decision. Common tactics include:

  • Demanding immediate payment for alleged overdue bills
  • Threatening immediate service disconnection
  • Sending suspicious links for payment
  • Requesting personal or financial information after falsely claiming you are entitled to a refund
  • Sending fake utility bills which may even include DEP’s logos and branding colors

DEP will never:

  • Ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or credit card information via phone, text, or email
  • Demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
  • Demand payment through apps like Zelle and Venmo or ask you to download an application to make a payment
  • Threaten immediate service shutoff without prior written notice

If you receive a suspicious message or call:

  • Do not respond or click any links
  • Do not provide any personal information
  • Report the incident to DEP at (718) 595-7000 and to 311

How to Stay Safe

  • Verify any communication claiming to be from DEP by calling (718) 595-7000
  • Use only official channels to pay your water bill. Learn more about How to Pay Your Bill.