The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a strong warning to customers to be wary of fraudulent phone calls from individuals posing as company officials and offering to expedite the acquisition of electricity meters.

It said these impostors had been contacting customers under the pretext of assisting them to secure new meters or resolve meter-related challenges.

The callers often claim that ECG has taken delivery of new meters and proceed to ask customers whether they have applied for one or are experiencing difficulties with their existing meters.

They then attempt to solicit personal information or money from unsuspecting victims.

Impersonation

The company noted that in some instances, the fraudsters download photographs of ECG staff from digital platforms and use them to impersonate officials to extort money from customers.

The ECG’s General Manager in charge of External Relations, Dr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, clarified that ECG had not authorised any individual or third-party agent to privately contact customers about meter acquisition or related services.

“We are aware of people calling ECG customers pretending to be staff and asking if they have applied for a meter or are facing issues.

They usually claim they can help secure a new meter quickly because new meters are available. This is false,” Dr Ayiku stressed.

Meter distribution

Dr Ayiku confirmed that ECG had indeed received new meters as part of operational enhancements, but maintained that the distribution process remained transparent and strictly guided by approved applications.

He emphasised that ECG would not conduct meter distribution through private phone calls, adding that all legitimate processes for new meter applications are handled strictly at ECG offices or via official platforms.

He, therefore, urged customers to visit the nearest ECG office to apply for a meter or seek redress for any meter-related concerns.

He cautioned the public against engaging individuals who promise shortcuts or demand payment to facilitate the process.

“Customers should not pay money to anyone who claims they can get them a meter outside our offices.

These are fraudulent activities intended to deceive the public,” he warned.

No mobile money

Dr Ayiku further reminded customers that ECG did not operate any mobile money account, insisting that all financial transactions must be conducted exclusively through the ECG Power App or the short code *226#.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customers from scams while ensuring continuous transparency and improved service delivery nationwide.

He also advised customers who encountered such fraudulent activities to report them to the nearest police station.