SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Eversource is warning about a new scam going around that's affecting its customers. 22News is working for you on ways to avoid becoming a victim during the new year. Eversource is asking customers to be on the lookout for a new scam. They are currently warning its customers of a scam related to their utility services. It involves people posing as Eversource employees and threatening to shut off power unless a payment is immediately made. "They're trying to take advantage of the sense of urgency, and that's that sense of surprise to catch customers off guard and get them to take action without thinking," said Eversource Senior Vice President for Customer Operations and Digital Strategy, Jared Lawrence. This is so they can steal money and cause the customer to be out of hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Eversource officials say the first sign of a scam is an unexpected contact popping up on your phone or in your email. Eversource will never demand instant payment over the phone, require gift cards or other non-standard methods of payment, or request personal information in an unsolicited call, text message, or email. "Anything happens to a customer's account and you know, for example, they've fallen behind they will get communications about that on their official bill from the company, whether it's a paper bill or their electronic bill, they will receive paper letters from us in the mail," added Lawrence. “Police departments around the state regularly receive reports of imposter scams,” according to Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers. “Our residents and members of our business community far too often fall victim to scams.  Scammers utilize different methods to try to get your money and information including under the guise of utility companies, like Eversource.  If you receive a call like this, just hang up the phone and remember that no reputable company will ever ask for or accept payment in the form of gift cards or Bitcoin.   Please share this information with your friends and family especially those that are older, as senior citizens are regularly targeted by scammers.”​ The energy company is reminding residents and businesses to not only be on the lookout for common scams over the phone or online but also in person. "Occasionally we do hear reports of individuals showing up in person in a neighborhood carrying a fake, you know, Eversource credentials and attempting to to gain access to a property that's, of course, very rare. Those would be the most serious, you know, imminent threat," explained Lawrence. All Eversource employees will carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles. If you experience any type of scam..you are asked to report it to Eversource by calling 877-659-6326. Eversource and Springfield police department also offer these additional tips to help avoid becoming a victim: Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit. They will also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM or a gift card. Eversource representatives never request customers meet at 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. 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.  Customers should not search for Eversource’s phone number or website through a search engine. You can find contact information, including the website, on your Eversource bill. Local News Headlines Eversource warns about new scheme going around that’s affecting its customers Flu cases surge in Massachusetts ‘Athleta’ in Longmeadow Shops closing January 31 Local camp director honored with rising star award WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.