Press release
ComEd Warns Customers of Increase in Scam Attempts During the Holiday Season
Impersonators take advantage of hectic schedules to steal money and personal information CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Media Alert: ComEd can make company
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[{"type":"text","content":"\nImpersonators take advantage of hectic schedules to steal money and personal information\n\n CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nMedia Alert: ComEd can make company representatives available for interviews to share scam-awareness tips for Utility Scam Awareness Day, Wednesday, Nov. 16.\n\nIn advance of Utility Scam Awareness Day, which is Wednesday, Nov. 16, ComEd urges families and businesses to be on the lookout for impersonators looking to steal money and information from unsuspecting individuals.\n\nScammers posing as ComEd employees will call homes and businesses from a number that appears to be from ComEd and threaten to turn off electric service unless payment is made to a bogus website or phone number. Sometimes imposters will visit in person to collect personal information that can be used to steal identities or access bank accounts.\n\n“During the holidays, scammers and imposters will up their game… knowing people are busier, distracted with holiday plans and paying less attention to their spending and bill-paying habits,” said Nichole Owens, ComEd vice president of customer channels. “The best defense against scams is knowing what to look for and sharing scam-awareness tips with family and friends.”\n\nAdds Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau, and a strategic partner with ComEd in raising awareness of utility scams: “Fraudsters use fear and distraction to trick their victims. They put the fear in people that they may lose their electricity during the holidays as well as the coldest of winter months and peak summer heat. We always see a spike in these reports to the BBB Scamtracker when staying warm or cool is most important, and your well-being may depend on it.”\n\nTips to Help Identify Scams\n\nComEd will never call or visit your home or business to:\n\n\nask for direct payment with a prepaid cash card, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, or third-party payment app like Cash App, QuickPay, Venmo or Zelle;\n\n\ndemand immediate payment; or\n\n\nask for personal information, such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number of bank information; we also will not ask for your ComEd account number unless you contact us first to enroll in a program or service.\n\n\nTips to Help Identify a True ComEd Employee\n\n\nAll ComEd field employees wear a uniform with the ComEd logo and visibly display a comp...