Beware Of Imposter Scams: ComEd

ComEd is warning businesses and residential customers to beware of scam artists posting as utility workers. The company said customers should be on "high alert," with scam impersonations up 31 percent compared with last year. So far this year, businesses represent 60 percent of all scam attempt targets.

How does the scam work? ComEd said imposters posing as representatives of the company have been targeting businesses, threatening to disconnect power during the busy holiday season unless a payment is made with a prepaid credit card.

So what should customers know? According to ComEd:

• Utility representatives will never ask or require a customer with a past due balance to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
• Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal, mail or in person.
• Customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
• When in doubt, check it out. If customers have concerns about the status of their account, they can also contact us at 1-800-EDISON1.

Anyone who believes he or she has been a target of a phone scam is urged to contact the Illinois Attorney General's office toll free at 1-800-386-5438 (TTY 1-800-964-3013) or visit the Illinois Attorney General's web site at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov and click on the link "Protecting Consumers."

Watch Now: Beware Of ComEd Imposter Scams

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