The Daily Freeman is reporting Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. is warning its customers about a new bill-payment scam. Customers are being contacted by telephone or email by individuals claiming to be with Central Hudson and stating the customer had failed to make a required deposit for services, or has an overdue bill. The caller then directs them to pay the utility bill using cash or an express wire transfer, threatening to terminate utility services if the payment is not made. A Central Hudson representative said the perpetrators are using sophisticated equipment to forge the caller ID. As a result, it may appear to the customer that Central Hudson is actually calling. The calls have been received throughout the company's eight-county service area. If a customer receives such a call, Central Hudson is directing them to hang up and call the utility immediately at (845) 452-2700. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.