RGE Statement

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NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF

ADAM J. BELLO
MONROE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

For Immediate Release


Thursday, March 16, 2023

ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE ADAM


BELLO RESPOND TO REPORT OF FALSE RG&E CUSTOMER
SERVICE PHONE NUMBER
AG James and CE Bello alert NYers to correct contact information for RG&E; AG
James to conduct inquiry into how a false TTY number was provided to utility
customers
ROCHESTER, NY — New York Attorney General Letitia James and County Executive Adam Bello
today warned New Yorkers to be vigilant following a troubling News 10 NBC report that
revealed a false toll-free TTY customer service phone number printed on Rochester Gas &
Electric (RG&E) bills is giving scammers an opportunity to commit financial fraud. Attorney
General James is conducting an inquiry into the matter, seeking to determine how a fraudulent
number was sent to RG&E customers. Attorney General James and County Executive Bello
advised New Yorkers who suspect that they are the victim of a scam to report it to the Office of
the Attorney General (OAG) by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t be exposed to scams from trusted utility providers, and my office is very
seriously reviewing these allegations,” said Attorney General James. “I encourage any New
Yorker who was exposed to this fraud to contact my office. We appreciate County Executive
Adam Bello working with our office on this matter.”

“It is clear from the News 10 NBC investigation that Monroe County residents have been
exposed to potentially fraudulent and costly activity,” said County Executive Bello. “This
morning, I called Attorney General James and am grateful that she is reviewing this situation
to ensure our residents are protected. I also spoke with the CEO of RG&E to express my
outrage that such a number was allowed to remain on customers’ bills. Customers of RG&E
deserve better, and I appreciate the Attorney General for her support in getting to the
bottom of this.”
According to the News 10 NBC report, individuals who called the false TTY number seeking
assistance with billing issues were told those issues would be resolved if they provided their
banking information to allow for direct deposit of a refund. After providing that information,
the individuals discovered numerous fraudulent charges made to their checking accounts.
The fraudulent number is still listed on the most recent RG&E bills. The company asks any
customers who require use of a TTY line dial 711 for assistance.
—30—
Media inquiries:

Gary Walker, Director of Communications Meaghan M. McDermott, Deputy Director


[email protected] of Communications
(585) 753-1064 [email protected]
(585) 469-4365

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