ComEd is warning customers to be on the alert for scam artists claiming to be a ComEd representative seeking payment. Over the last few weeks, the company has seen a 260% increase in reports from small businesses and some residential customers who were contacted by scammers. This is more than eight times the number of reported impersonations compared to December 2014.
Scammers contact customers by phone and in person, claiming to be ComEd representatives, and tell them their service will be disconnected, unless payment is made. They instruct the individual to wire funds or buy a prepaid credit card and call them back with the personal identification number (PIN.)
Variations include stories that
- the customer’s billing cycle has changed, and payment is needed immediately
- the account is past due, and immediate payment is required to avoid disconnection of service
- the customer’s previous payments were not accepted or processed.
Click here for details from ComEd and toll free numbers to report a scam attempt.