Fraudsters in Ghana are deceiving electricity customers into paying for fake meter sales and mobile money payments. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to the public to be cautious of these scams. According to Dr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager for External Communications at ECG, the company operates a fully cashless system, and all payments must be made through the ECG Power App or the shortcode *226#.
Dr. Ayiku explained that scammers use two main schemes to defraud ECG customers. The first scheme involves individuals posing as ECG staff or agents, offering new meters for sale at a fee. Some scammers promise quick installation, while others advertise on WhatsApp and social media platforms like TikTok. Once the customer pays, 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 from someone claiming to work for ECG, stating that the customer's meter is ready. The caller then provides a mobile money number and demands payment immediately. Dr. Ayiku emphasized that ECG staff do not ask customers to pay into personal mobile money wallets and that such calls should be treated as fraud attempts.
Dr. Ayiku attributed the success of these scams to the sense of urgency created by the scammers. They want customers to pay before verifying the facts. He urged customers to take their time and verify every request before making any payments. Dr. Ayiku also advised customers to protect themselves by adopting simple habits, such as never sending money to a mobile money number given by a caller.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, Dr. Ayiku recommended that customers only buy power and pay bills through the ECG Power App or *226#. He also advised customers to keep their PIN, password, and verification code confidential. When someone visits a customer's home or shop in ECG's name, they should be asked to show a staff ID card. If a call feels suspicious, customers should end it and report the number to ECG and the police.
The ECG has reiterated that it does not sell meters through individuals. Customers are advised to apply for new meters or services through official channels, including district offices and the ECG Power App. Approved fees should be paid through the ECG Power App. Dr. Ayiku emphasized that customers should be cautious of scammers who promise quick services or offer deals that seem too good to be true.
The ECG is urging customers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By being aware of these scams and taking steps to protect themselves, customers can avoid financial losses. The company is working to educate customers about the risks of these scams and how to avoid them. Key points to note include:
Key points
- Never send money to a mobile money number given by a caller.
- Do not buy a meter from an individual or online advert.
- Pay only through the ECG Power App or *226#.
