Fake National Grid Worker Reported in Fall River

It’s sad to say, but the tough reality is that we have to keep our guards up at all times in 2026.  Unfortunately, the new year has not brought an end to the seemingly endless string of scams targeting everyone from the elderly to people in their teens, twenties, thirties and older.

This time, the scam involves the tricksters using National Grid uniforms as part of a diabolical plan. According to the Fall River Police Department, officers are currently investigating after a resident on Arizona Street reported that an unknown person came to their home as a fake National Grid worker. The resident said the faker attempted to gain entry into the house and insisted they needed to “work on a computer” to fix a utility account.

Luckily, the homeowner didn’t let the person come inside.  Fall River Police say that it’s not known what would have happened had the scammer been let in, but that the decision may have prevented the situation from getting worse.

Incredibly, this is not the first time an incident like this has happened on the SouthCoast. National Grid had previously received a similar report that these incidents were happening. The company relayed the information to the Fall River police department so residents could be warned as quickly as possible.

How to Spot a Fake National Grid Employee

Police are reminding the public that real National Grid employees and contractors always carry photo identification, and residents should always ask to see it before allowing anyone to enter their home. They also stressed that if someone cannot provide proper ID, you should never let them inside.

FAQ Would National Grid Ever Ask to Use Your Computer

Another important reminder from police is that National Grid will not ask to enter your home to work on a personal computer. If someone is claiming they need access to your computer, that should immediately be treated as a major red flag.

If you are unsure about a person’s identity or you feel uncomfortable, police recommend not engaging and contacting National Grid directly to confirm whether any work is scheduled. Residents can also call the Fall River Police Department if they believe they have been targeted or if a suspicious person is in their neighborhood.

National Grid also has a page dedicated to common scam tactics and tips to help customers protect themselves. You can find more information at ngrid.com/scam.