Scammers Target ComEd Customers, Small Businesses

Commonwealth Edison representatives have contacted Hinsdale police to report phone scammers are impersonating them to trick people into giving them money.

Scammers claim to be ComEd reps and ask for immediate payment on a past-due bill, and they threaten to disconnect electric service, according to Hinsdale police.

Scammers ask ComEd customers to buy a pre-paid credit card and to call back with the PIN. They ask for between $100 and $300 from residential customers and between $1,000 and $1,600 from small businesses in the ComEd service territory, ComEd Security reported.

Official ComEd representatives always carry identification and never ask for cash or personal financial information. ComEd will never call a customer to ask for cash or a prepaid credit card to pay a bill, ComEd says.

Hinsdale police offer the following tips to avoid being scammed:

• Never provide social security or personal information to anyone initiating contact with you claiming to be a utility representative or requesting you to send money to another person or entity other than your local utility providers.
• Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any utility worker into your home or business.
• When in doubt, check it out. Be skeptical of individuals wearing clothing with old or defaced company logos. If you have any doubts, ask to see a company photo ID.
• Never make payment for services to anyone coming to the door.
• If customers ever have concerns about the status of their account, they can contact ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1

Anyone who believes he or she has been a target of a scam should call the Hinsdale Police Department to report the incident by dialing 911.

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