Rockford BBB Warns Of Scammers Pretending To Be From ComEd

This scam seems to perform like clockwork. Whenever we get extremes in temperatures in either direction here in Northern Illinois and electricity use goes up, so do the attempts to trick people into paying something that they don't owe.

Unfortunately, according to the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), this scam also carries with it a high success rate for the scammers.

You're pretty obviously a bad guy when you dress like this for work. (Getty Images)

This Particular Scam Can Come At You In Several Different Ways, Including Someone Knocking On Your Door Telling You That Your Power Will Be Shut Off If You Don't Pay Up Right Now

According to reports to the Rockford BBB, scammers contact ComEd customers by phone, although some contacts have been made by text, email, or even coming directly to potential victims' doors, demanding payment to a particular account under the threat of immediate service disconnection.

The scam artist will then instruct the customer (and intended victim) to use a mobile payment app, such as Cash App, QuickPay, Venmo, or Zelle, because those apps sometimes have higher transaction limits than pre-paid cash cards.

To make things even worse, in some instances the scammer will lie even further, and claim not to have received a payment so the victim transfers money two or three times.

I'd sure hate to have to turn your power off, sir.(Getty Images)

One Sure Red-Flag Is That The Scammer Will Demand Immediate Payment From An Unconventional Source Like Gift Cards

Here's the thing. Utility workers do not and will not call or visit your home or business to demand payment. They just don't work that way. They also won't ask you for a ComEd account number or other personal information, such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number or bank information.

The Rockford BBB reminds you that all ComEd field employees wear a uniform with the ComEd logo and visibly display a company ID badge with the logo and employee’s name. ComEd recently changed its logo, so you may continue to see the former ComEd logo on uniforms, badges and vehicles until it is phased out.