Illinois Utilities Join Forces to Make Customers Aware of Scam Artists Posing as Utility Workers

Posted by on May 14, 2015 in Business | Comments Off on Illinois Utilities Join Forces to Make Customers Aware of Scam Artists Posing as Utility Workers

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Business

The arrival of warmer temperatures is always welcomed, but sometimes they also bring about an increase in unwelcomed solicitations by scam artists. ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are joining forces to warn Illinois customers to be on alert for scam artists posing as utility representatives. The Better Business Bureau states that the number of reported scams generally rises with warmer weather. With the door-to-door scams, someone impersonating a utility worker will visit customers’ homes looking to get personal and/or account information, and in some cases enter into the customer’s home. “We want our customers to be informed and avoid becoming victims to this type of scam. That’s why we have teamed up with Peoples, North Shore and Nicor Gas to shine a light on this fraudulent activity and create a greater awareness amongst all of our customers,” said Fidel Marquez, senior vice president of Governmental and External Affairs, ComEd. 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.” Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions:

  • 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 have concerns about the status of their account, they can also contact their local utility providers:
  • ComEd 1-800-EDISON1
  • Nicor Gas 1-888-NICOR4U
  • Peoples Gas 866-556-6001
  • North Shore Gas 866-556-6004

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