Hempstead Beacon 12-04-2025

Don Ryan celebrated by Hempstead village New biography showcases legacy and impact of coach, teacher, trustee

By REINE BETHANY

Don Ryan, Hempstead’s renowned youth basketball coach, high school teacher, village trustee, and former mayor, will be honored for his contributions to village life at two major events next week.

Hempstead’s current Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., and his administration will stand with Ryan at the juncture of Atlantic and Terrace Avenues on at 1 p.m. Dec. 10.

The entire length of Terrace Avenue, where Ryan grew up, will receive the honorary designation of “Hon. Donald L. Ryan Way.” Street signs with the new designation will be added to the avenue signs. The public is invited.

In the recreation building of Kennedy Memorial Park, Ryan and his longtime colleague, Mike Hickey, will hold a book launch for Hickey’s new biography of Ryan, “When Basketball Was a Game,” at 4 p.m. on Dec. 11.

The book commemorates Ryan’s 60 years as a basketball coach for the Salvation Army youth sports program. The Salvation Army church and gym where he worked is still in operation on Atlantic Avenue.

String musicians perform in West Hempstead Community concert fills American Legion hall with classical sounds

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

More than 100 community members were entertained during the West Hempstead Violin Gemach’s fall concert held at the American Legion Cathedral Post 1087 on Woodlawn Road last Sunday.

Bulgarian-American violinist Gergana Haralampieva opened the concert with an impactful 40-minute performance.

An award-winning musician, Haralampieva has performed with ensembles

across the country. A recent fellow of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect program, she has earned degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

This marked Haralampieva’s second performance in West Hempstead, and Alla Bell, a chamber musician and teacher at the Great Neck Music Conservatory, accompanied her on the piano.

Haralampieva, who’s also a music educator, said she’s passionate about making classical music accessi-

ble, which is why she enjoys taking part in community performances. She teaches students in her Commack studio and serves as the director of operations and educational programs at Long Island Chamber Music, or LICM.

“Our mission is to bring world-class classical music directly to Long Island,” Haralampieva said.

In 2020, Haralampieva and her husband, Eric Huckins, a horn player,

founded LICM, a nonprofit organization, with the mission to make professional classical music accessible to Long Island audiences.

LICM’s professional musicians bring classical music to local communities through concerts and educational programs, partnering with schools, libraries and community groups to foster an understanding of classical music

New York Islanders support families in need

Islanders’ Children’s Foundation, UBS

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The New York Islanders’ Children’s Foundation, in partnership with UBS, purchased and distributed 200 meals on Nov. 24 to local families ahead of Thanksgiving. The Islanders’ Children’s Foundation partners with local community groups and nonprofit organizations, including Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Veteran Beacon House, Gateway Youth Organization and Rock and Wrap it Up, to identify families in need.

Iregistered nonprofit, was created in 2003 under the leadership of late-Islanders owner Charles Wang, who had a passion to help children and provide them with the best opportunities to live happy, healthy and successful lives.

Its mission is dedicated to serving local communities, now and in the future. It supports, educates and develops area youth while investing in local families and community wellbeing. The foundation also supports nonprofit organizations that share its common mission, developing programs that create a lasting legacy.

think all of us athletes, we recognize that we’re fortunate.

Butch

The distributed meals were purchased from Stew Leonard’s and included a turkey, four sides, dessert and dinner rolls. Volunteers from UBS and members of the New York Islanders, including former player Butch Goring, and Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock, as we all players’ significant others were onsite to distribute meals.

GORING New York Islanders legend

Current ownership shares Wang’s values, and is committed to being a leader in the philanthropic causes that continue to make the Children’s Foundation a staple in the Long Island community. The Children’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.

In a press package, shared with the Herald by the New York Islanders, Pulock said, “It’s special to have this opportunity just to do something small, make people smile, make families be able to come together and have a nice meal together. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Islanders Children’s Foundation, a

Goring, in a video package shared with the Herald, said the appreciation of community members served was “very obvious.”

“Everybody is very thankful to be able to go home and share a meal, not only with themselves, but certainly with friends,” he said.

Athletes, he added, are in a position to give back.

“I think all of us athletes, we recognize

Butch Goring, center, legendary player with the New York Islanders, helped distribute 200 meals to local families on Nov. 24.

that we’re fortunate,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about our next meal. It’s going to be there for us. There are many people who are less fortunate, so when you can help out and make Thanksgiving, which is such a special day, and you can

make that a little more special for them — it has a lot of merit.”

For more on the work of the Islanders Children’s Foundation, visit NHL.com/ Islanders.

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Nassau University Medical Center has a new leader, Thomas W. Stokes

Nassau University Medical Center has named Thomas W. Stokes as its permanent president and chief executive officer. Stokes, 54, is the chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine in Manhattan.

Starting in January, he will takeover managing the day-to-day operations at the safety-net hospital, based in East Meadow, the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, and other community health centers and outreach operations.

His appointment comes at the end of a turbulent year for NUMC, which was taken over by New York state in May, following provisions that passed in the budget for fiscal year 2026. The changes, which took effect June 1, shifted control from County Executive Bruce Blakeman to Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Democrats. In addition, the state granted the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation, expanded oversight, including the ability to approve hospital contracts exceeding $1 million. The hospital’s public benefit corporation, the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is also required to conduct a study on strengthening NUMC by Dec. 1, 2026.

State-appointed leadership fired Meg Ryan, the former chief executive at

Dr. J joins tribute to mentor Don Ryan

According to the book’s press release, “Hempstead’s Biddy squad captured three national championships and amassed more than 3,000 vic-

tories. … The teams traveled to 22 states, four Canadian provinces, two U.S. territories, three island nations, and four European countries. Ryan never charged, always counting on fundraising and support from former players, to provide his teams with unique experiences.”

His emphasis on character and education dominates the book’s narrative. Ryan’s motto, “Carry the books as well as the ball,” sums up his comprehensive mentoring.

I coach life, not just basketball.

Don Ryan

Honoree

Many of his former team members have returned year after year to support the Biddy squad, including pro basketball legend Julius “Dr. J.” Erving, who has never forgotten his two years (196264) under Ryan’s leadership.

“I first met Don in 1963,” Hickey said. “Our shared love of basketball and the Village of Hempstead has brought us together on numerous occasions. … I hope that ‘When Basketball Was a Game’ does justice to his legacy.”

Ryan, now 82, was often heard to say, “I coach life, not just basketball.” The names of many who shared his philosophy and worked alongside him will be visible on the book’s pages.

Twenty copies of the book will be donated to the Hempstead Board of Education for use in Hempstead district schools. More copies will go to surrounding school libraries.

“I’m excited about the idea of the book being published, not just for myself but for all of the volunteer coaches that do such a good job in Hempstead and elsewhere,” Ryan said. “It will encourage them and shed a positive light on the village.”

Fall concert highlights student performers

Jonathan Grossman, founder of the West Hempstead Violin Gemach, said he shares that same mission. A gemach is a Jewish organization that provides free loans or lends out items to those in need as an act of kindness. Grossman provides free violin rentals to Yeshiva day school students.

“When I started this program a few years ago, my goal was not only to encourage children in the neighborhood to start learning a string instrument or piano, but also to play chamber music,” Grossman said.

Each student in the program receives practice materials, sheet music and a list of local violin teachers. The gemach organizes free concerts and supports music education programming in West Hempstead.

Following the performance of Haralampieva and Bell, ten of the gemach students showcased their musical talents by playing various pieces on piano, cello and violin. While many performed solo compositions, the concert included various duets and group performances.

“I wanted to match up children with other kids who are also excited about learning music and playing together,” Grossman said, “because when you play with someone else, it’s a very different experience, and it uses a lot of different skills that you don’t have to utilize when playing by yourself.”

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4,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD EXEMPTIONS

FILING PERIODOCTOBER 1ST THRU DECEMBER 31ST ALTERNATIVE VETERANS

Veterans who served in the military during World War 1, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War may qualify for an exemption of 15 to 25% off their assessed value.

SENIOR CITIZENS

All persons on the deed must be 65 years of age, except if husband and wife are sole owners, only one must be 65. Income of all owners cannot exceed $45,500.00 yearly. This exemption is renewable each year.

CLERGY

Real property that is owned and occupied by a member of the clergy is exempt from general municipal and school district taxes to the extent of $1500 of assessed value.

IMPROVEMENTS TO PROPERTY PURSUANT TO AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990

Real property altered, installed or improved for persons with disabilities is exempt from taxation to the extent of any increase in value attributable to these improvements up to 10 years.

SOLAR

Real property that contains a solar or wind energy system approved by the State Energy research and Development authority is exempt from taxation for a period of 15 years to the extent of any increase in assessed value due to the system.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND VOLUNTEER

AMBULANCE

WORKERS EXEMPTION. Property owned and occupied by volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers with at least 5 (five) years of enrolled service are eligible to an exemption of 10% of the assessed value.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION EXEMPTION.

Real property that (1) is owned by a nonprofit corporation or association organized or conducted exclusively for one or more specific purposes (religious, educational, charitable, hospital, or moral or mental

improvement of men, women, or children) and (2) is used exclusively for carrying out one or more of these purposes is wholly exempt from taxation and is exempt, for certain purposes, from special ad valorem levies and special assessments. 156341

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MARC LACHAUD, HEIR-AT-LAW AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF GLADYS MARCELIN-LACHAUD, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 15, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 16 Elizabeth Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 34, Block 370 and Lots 357-358. Approximate amount of judgment is $358,241.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #620707/2023.

Joshua D. Brookstein, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230049-1 156809

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Soundview Home Loan Trust 2006-3, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-3, Plaintiff AGAINST

Alex Villatoro a/k/a Alex A. Villatoro; et al.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 20, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 15, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 203 Rhodes Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 44 Block 32 Lots 266 & 267. Approximate amount of judgment $366,653.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008110/2016. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.

Karen Grant, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: October 31, 2025 156807

LEGAL NOTICE

Date: November 14, 2025

Index No.:605115/2025

Address:

Owner:

R & R Dynasty Corp. 42 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550

Attn: Lewis Wu

R & R Dynasty Corp New York Department of State One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231

United International Bank

41-60 Main Street Flushing, New York 11355

Attn: Commercial Lending Department Preferred Bank (successor to UIB) 41-60 Main Street Flushing, New York 11335

Property Owner: R & R Dynasty Corp.

To The Party To Whom The Enclosed Notice Is Addressed:

You are presumed to own or have a legal interest in one or more of the parcels of real

property described in the enclosed Petition of Foreclosure.

A proceeding to foreclose on such property based upon the failure to pay real property taxes has been commenced pursuant to Article 11 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law. Foreclosure will result in the loss of ownership of such property and all rights in that property. You may wish to contact an attorney to protect your rights.

Unless the taxes and assessments and all other legal charges are paid, or an answer is interposed, as provided by statute, such property may be sold at a tax foreclosure sale as provided in Article 11 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law.

To avoid loss of ownership or of any other rights in the property, all unpaid taxes and other legal charges must be paid prior to or on May 21, 2026, or you must interpose a duly verified answer in the proceeding prior to December 15, 2025. You may make payment in the amount of all such unpaid taxes and legal charges prior to the above payment due date to: Incorporated Village of Hempstead 99 James A. Garner Way Hempstead, NY 11550

Attn: Superintendent of Tax and Water

All payments must be cleared funds (cash, money order, or certified check). If you are paying by mail, all payments must be postmarked no later than 1 business day before May 21, 2026, if sent via the United States Postal Service. Payments remitted by courier must be post dated by the last day of the collection period. Should the taxes and assessments and all other legal charges remain unpaid, and the property sold, you as the presumptive owner or legal interest holder may be entitled to surplus monies, if any, resulting from the sale of the property.

If you are in the military or if anyone else within your knowledge of information, who is the presumptive owner or legal interest holder of any such parcels set forth below and mentioned and described in the list

referred to in the enclosed Petition and Notice of Foreclosure is in the military, please advise.

If you have no legal interest in the property indicated above, you may disregard this Notice.

156888

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2006-FF3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FF3, -against-

GARY BRIFIL, JR., ET AL.

NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 30, 2023, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2006-FF3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FF3 is the Plaintiff and GARY BRIFIL, JR., ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 22 CORNWALL LANE, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550; and the following tax map identification: 34-436-139.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611232/2018. Mark Ricciardi, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157084

All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157085

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DITECH FINANCIAL LLC, -againstOSCAR MONTIEL, JR. A/K/A OSCAR MONTIEL AS HEIR AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN DISTRIBUTEE AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF OSCAR MONTIEL DECEASED, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 14, 2025, wherein DITECH FINANCIAL LLC is the Plaintiff and OSCAR MONTIEL, JR. A/K/A OSCAR MONTIEL AS HEIR AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN DISTRIBUTEE AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF OSCAR MONTIEL DECEASED, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 77 BUTLER PLACE, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550; and the following tax map identification: 34-450-15, 16 & 209. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001040/2012. Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 27460, Pltf. vs. AMERICAN DREAM RENOVATION’S LLC, et al, Defts. Index #606676/24. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 23, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 6, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 140 Harvard Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 a/k/a Section 34, Block 251, Lot 201. Approximate amount of judgment is $438,674.53 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MICHAEL JOSEPH SEPE, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. File NO. LF-514 -#102631 157081

Said premises known as 178 RUTLAND ROAD, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550

Approximate amount of lien $519,080.34 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 608647/2023.

LISA POCZIK, ESQ., Referee

Kosterich & Skeete, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 707 Westchester Ave, Suite 302, White Plains, NY 10604 {* HEMPSTEAD*} 156989

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWALT, Inc., Alternative Loan Trust 2007-23CB Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-23CB, Plaintiff AGAINST Estate of Linnette Hurst a/k/a Linnett Hurst, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 7, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 50 Stewart Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 34, BLOCK: 242, LOT: 341 & 342. Approximate amount of judgment is $833,732.23 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2020-GS5, Plaintiff -againstPATRICK BENOIT, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated March 3, 2025 and entered on March 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Easterly side of Rutland Road, distant 468.16 feet Northerly to the corner formed by the intersection of the Easterly side of Rutland Road and the Northerly side of Jerusalem Avenue; being a plot 50.05 feet by 116.29 feet by 50.015 feet by 114.25 feet.

Be aware of utility scams this holiday season

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

As the holiday season approaches, PSEG Long Island is warning households and businesses to stay alert for a rise in utility impersonation scams that target customers at their most vulnerable moments. With scammers posing as PSEG Long Island employees and other local utilities, many victims are pressured to make immediate payments under the threat of having their power shut off — a tactic that has become increasingly common across Long Island and the Rockaways.

On Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 19, PSEG Long Island urged customers to “Slow Down. Verify. Stop the Scam,” encouraging residents to pause before reacting to any threats involving their electric service.

Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of customer operations, said scammers often rely on urgency to blindside their victims. “It may be an advanced digital scam, an in-person scammer or a telephone call, but most scammers try to blindside you with an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be,” he said. “If you are unexpectedly contacted by someone claiming to be from PSEG Long Island and threatening to immediately shut off your power without payment, take a step back and contact PSEG Long Island independently to verify before acting.”

Monica Martinez, executive director of Utilities United Against Scams, said the national theme — “Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam” — offers a simple but effective tool to help customers avoid becoming victims.

Many scammers demand payment through outside web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. PSEG Long Island does not accept any of these methods, and a request for payment in such forms is a clear red flag. Scammers often use phone “spoofing” technology so their calls appear to come from PSEG Long Island, and may claim a customer must pay immediately or face disconnection. Others may demand a deposit for a priority meter installation, something the company does not require. If customers receive a suspicious call or email requesting payment, the company urges them to inde-

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

Robert Vessichelli, lead investigator with PSEG Long Island Corporate Security, educates seniors about common utility scams.

pendently contact customer service at (800) 490-0025 before doing anything else.

In addition to phone and digital schemes, some scammers have taken their tactics door to door, posing as utility workers and showing fake identification. They may ask for personal information or offer fraudulent discounts. PSEG Long Island employees always carry official identification and must present it when asked. Residents who feel unsafe or pressured during an in-person interaction are encouraged to refuse entry and call 911 if the individual escalates.

Scammers have also created fake websites designed to mimic legitimate utility pages, hoping customers will mistakenly enter payment information. PSEG Long Island’s real website uses the “.com” domain and can be found at psegliny.com. More recently, the utility has warned of fraudulent QR code stickers placed on public electric vehicle charging stations that redirect users to sites requesting personal or financial information. PSEG Long Island does not require customers to engage with its website to activate a public charger.

The utility encourages customers to familiarize themselves with how legitimate representatives handle phone calls. A real PSEG Long Island employee will only speak with the customer of record, will know the account details, and will not discuss the account if the customer of record is unavailable. The company works with Utilities United Against Scams, which has helped remove more than 14,830 scam-related phone numbers from operation. More information about current scam trends and prevention tips can be found at PSEGLINY.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/ScamAndFraud.

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