ECG alerts customers to fake meter sales and MoMo scams

Fraudsters are posing as Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) workers to collect money for fake meters, with some customers receiving unregistered meters that could be treated as illegal connections.

ECG has warned customers against paying individuals who promise to supply or install meters, particularly those requesting payment through personal mobile money accounts.

The company’s General Manager for External Communications, Dr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, said the schemes include meter advertisements on WhatsApp and TikTok, as well as phone calls from individuals claiming to be ECG staff.

Some callers tell customers their meters are ready and then direct them to send payments to private MoMo numbers.

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“Our staff does not ask customers to pay into personal mobile money wallets,” he said. “Treat any such call as a fraud attempt.”

Dr Ayiku explained that money sent to such accounts does not reach ECG and will not be reflected in the customer’s electricity account.

The company also warned that buying a meter from an individual does not guarantee a legitimate electricity connection, as some customers may receive meters that are not registered with ECG.

“ECG does not sell meters through individuals,” Dr Ayiku stated.

Customers seeking meters or other electricity services should contact ECG through its official channels, including district offices and the ECG Power App, and pay approved fees through its authorised payment platforms.

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Dr Ayiku said fraudsters often pressure customers to make payments quickly. He urged the public to verify requests before sending money, keep their PINs and verification codes private, and check the identification of anyone claiming to represent ECG.

Customers who receive suspicious calls should end the conversation and report the number to ECG and the police.

DR/MA

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