An increasing number of scam calls related to utilities are targeting Connecticut customers, Eversource warned this week. The energy company said scams include claims that someone overpaid their bill to fish for personal payment information. According to the company, the callers often manipulate the caller ID to say “Eversource.”

“‘Phishing’ or ‘Smishing’ scams ... when a person receives a text message requesting personal information from scammers pretending to be from a reputable company” are increasingly common, the company said.

“These scammers often prey on customers’ fears – threatening to shut off their power or use other deceitful tactics to scare people into giving up their money or personal information,” Eversource Executive Vice President, Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner said in a release. “We never demand instant payment over the phone or ask for personal information in an unsolicited call, text message, or email. If someone shows up at your home or calls you and demands immediate payment, don’t panic, and don’t pay, instead call us immediately at 800-286-2000.”

Eversource offered the following tips for avoiding scams:

Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit prepaid cards. They will also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM.Eversource representatives never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store, to make a payment.Customers should never provide personal, financial, or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online, even if they seem legitimate. Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers. All Eversource employees carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles. Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service. Customers who doubt a call, in-person interaction, text, or email is legitimate should call Eversource directly to confirm the authenticity of the contact.