Illinois Energy Companies and BBB Remind Customers of Increase in Scams During Holiday Season

In This Article:

On Utility Scam Awareness Day, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas provide tips to identify scams used to steal money and personal information from families and businesses

CHICAGO, November 20, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the holiday season approaches, northern Illinois energy companies are joining the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Chicago and Northern Illinois to warn customers to be on heightened alert for attempted scams, which tend to increase during this time of year.

During national Utility Scam Awareness Day, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are reminding families and businesses to stay vigilant to imposters who will show up at homes and businesses, then threaten to turn off utility service if payment is not immediately made.

"Scammers use the holiday season to increase their attempts to separate businesses and consumers from their money and personal information, like Social Security or bank account numbers," added Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. "Scammers know that we’re busier this time of year, distracted with plans and paying less attention to our spending and bill-paying habits. They use urgency and demands to pay now or lose power, which is something ComEd or other utilities would never do."

Scammers are getting creative and expanding their schemes in the digital space. Traditionally, they use technology to call using a number that looks like the name and number of a legitimate business. More recently, imposters are sending QR codes and instructing recipients to make payments at retail stores like Walmart and Walgreens. Others are demanding payment through mobile banking apps.

"ComEd is committed, especially during the holidays, to helping customers identify potential schemes so they don’t unwittingly send their money and personal information to imposters," said Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd. "When it comes to mobile banking apps, the scammer will 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 with a single encounter."

"Scammers are also using new technology more and more, but the way to keep yourself safe remains tried and true," said Bill Mastoris, interim president — Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. "If what the person is saying doesn’t feel right or if you’re being pressured in any way, end the conversation. Hang up the phone or close the door. If you have any further concern, contact your utility using the phone number or website address on your utility bill."

Waiting for permission
Allow microphone access to enable voice search

Try again.