The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to its customers about a scam involving fake meter sales and mobile money (MoMo) extortion. According to the company, impostors are posing as officials, using downloaded photos of legitimate staff to deceive the public. They claim to have new meters available or offer to fast-track meter applications, taking money from customers across Ghana.
The scam involves two main schemes. The first involves meter sales, where individuals pose as ECG staff or agents and offer new meters for a fee. Some promise quick installation, while others advertise on WhatsApp and social media, especially TikTok. The customer pays, and the supposed agent disappears. In other cases, the customer receives an unregistered meter, which ECG treats as an illegal connection.
The second scheme starts with a phone call, where the caller claims to work for ECG and tells the customer that their meter is ready. The caller then gives the customer a MoMo number and asks them to pay at once. ECG's General Manager for External Communications, Dr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, has warned customers that the company does not sell meters through individuals and that all payments must go through official channels.
Dr Ayiku emphasized that ECG runs a fully cashless system and that all payments must be made through the ECG Power App or the shortcode *226#. He warned customers that sending money to a personal MoMo number does not reach the company and will not reflect on their account. Customers are advised to apply for new meters or services through official channels, including district offices and the ECG Power App.
Dr Ayiku described how the scammers succeed by relying on urgency, wanting customers to pay before they check the facts. He urged customers to take their time and verify every request first. Customers are advised to protect themselves by never sending money to a MoMo number given by a caller, not buying a meter from an individual or online advert, and only buying power and paying bills through the ECG Power App or *226#.
To further protect themselves, customers are advised to keep their PIN, password, and any verification code to themselves. When someone visits their home or shop in ECG's name, customers should ask to see a staff ID card. If a call feels suspicious, customers should end it and report the number to ECG and the police.
Dr Ayiku reiterated that customers should pay only through the ECG Power App or *226# and treat all other payment requests as fraud. He urged customers to report any suspicious activity to ECG and the police. By taking these precautions, customers can avoid falling victim to the scam and ensure that their payments are made safely and securely.
Key points
- ECG warns customers to be cautious of fake meter sales and MoMo payment calls from impostors posing as company officials.
- Customers are advised to make payments only through official channels, including the ECG Power App and *226#.
- ECG urges customers to report any suspicious activity to the company and the police.
