Be aware of impersonation scams

ComEd occasionally gets calls from customers who report that someone claiming to be a utility worker requested their credit card information or cash payment. In some cases, the perpetrators wore items bearing a utility company logo, such as a hard hat, or a generic orange safety vest.

We want the public to be aware that ComEd employees always carry proper identification and that they never ask customers for cash or personal banking information.

 To help guard against impersonations, ComEd recommends that customers take the following safety precautions: 

• Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any utility worker into your home or business.

• 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 pay on-site for services. ComEd employees never ask for cash payments or personal banking information.

• Remember that ComEd employees do not engage in door-to-door sales or telemarketing activities with customers.

Customers also can verify if a ComEd worker is in the area by contacting us at 1-800-EDISON-1.

People that believe they have been the target of a scam are 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”.

This post is contributed by a community member. The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Patch Media Corporation. Everyone is welcome to submit a post to Patch. If you'd like to post a blog, go here to get started.