ComEd cares about our customers’ safety. As National Consumer Protection Week begins, it’s crucial to shed light on the evolving landscape of scams, particularly those targeting ComEd customers. In an era of advancing technology, scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their attempts to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
The Creative Tactics of Energy Scammers:
ComEd regularly receives reports of individuals posing as ComEd employees. Energy scammers use a variety of new technology to deceive consumers. For example, the development of cryptocurrency—a digital currency, which is an alternative form of payment created using a virtual account system—has provided scammers with another avenue to exploit, using deceptive tactics to lure victims into fraudulent investments or transactions.
According to Mayda Corral, ComEd’s Utility Security Senior Manager, there are three common practices that scammers employ to deceive customers. “With the rise in the use of mobile payments like Cash App and Venmo, scammers are leveraging these digital networks to trick ComEd customers into parting with their hard-earned money,” said Mayda. “The most prevalent tactic involves a scammer posing as a ComEd representative and making urgent threats of immediate disconnection if payment isn’t made promptly. The scammer will then instruct the customer to make a payment via mobile banking app, bitcoin, or instruct them to purchase a pre-paid gift card and ask the customer to call them back with the authorization numbers on the back of the gift card.”
In 2022 ComEd noticed a rise in scammers demanding payment through mobile banking apps because they often have higher transaction limits than pre-paid cash cards. In some instances, the scammer will falsely claim not to have received a payment to get the victim to transfer money two or three times, allowing imposters to scam victims out of thousands of dollars in a single encounter.
“ComEd will never call, text, email or visit a customer’s home or business and demand immediate payment, especially with a prepaid cash card, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, third-party payment app like Cash App, QuickPay, Venmo or Zelle, or through a QR code,” added Mayda.
While there has been a 32% decrease in reported incidents in 2023, ComEd underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and informed to protect the customers from falling victim to these schemes. ComEd provides invaluable scam awareness tips, empowering customers to arm themselves against the tactics of scammers.
Stay Vigilant:
ComEd will never call or visit your home or business to:
- ask for direct payment with a prepaid cash card, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, or third-party payment app like Cash App, QuickPay, Venmo or Zelle;
- demand immediate payment; or
- ask for personal information, such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number or bank information; we also will not ask for your ComEd account number unless you contact us first to enroll in a program or service.
Tips to Help Identify a True ComEd Employee
- All ComEd field employees wear a uniform with the ComEd logo and a company ID badge with the logo and employee’s name.
- ComEd recently changed its logo, so customers may continue to see the former ComEd logo on uniforms, badges and vehicles until the logo is phased out.
- If customers are ever unsure about whether a person knocking at their door is a true ComEd employee, they are encouraged to close and lock their door, and call ComEd at 800-EDISON1 (800-334-7661). A ComEd employee will never be at a customer’s door to inquire about bill payments.
ComEd’s Commitment to Consumer Protection:
At ComEd, safeguarding our customers against scams is a top priority. During National Consumer Protection Week and throughout the year, ComEd works diligently to identify and mitigate energy-related scams. “At ComEd, we are dedicated to staying ahead of these threats and equipping our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. Together, we can stop energy scams in their tracks and ensure a safer digital environment for all,” said Mayda.
ComEd’s team of security experts remain vigilant by continuously monitoring emerging threats and providing educational resources to empower consumers. Our customers hold the power to stop energy scams in their tracks by staying informed, remaining vigilant, and partnering our ComEd team, who are here to help.
