ECG warns customers against fake meter sales and MoMo scams

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in fraudulent activities involving the sale of fake electricity meters. Fraudsters, often impersonating ECG field staff or contractors, have been targeting unsuspecting customers with the promise of quick meter installations in exchange for payments made through personal mobile money (MoMo) accounts. The company clarified that these meters are unregistered and their installation constitutes an illegal connection to the national grid.

Dr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, ECG’s General Manager for External Communications, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that any transaction involving a personal mobile money number is a clear indicator of fraud. He explained that these scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure customers into making quick decisions. Customers who fall victim to these schemes not only lose their money but also face potential legal action and disconnection, as the meters provided do not exist in the company's official database and do not record consumption for official billing purposes.

To combat these scams, the power distributor reiterated that it has transitioned to a strictly cashless system for all service applications and payments. Dr. Ayiku Ayiku urged the public to exclusively use official digital channels, specifically the ECG Power App or the USSD shortcode *226#, for all financial transactions. He emphasized that the company does not authorize its staff or any third parties to collect cash or receive mobile money transfers into private accounts for services like meter procurement, maintenance, or bill payment.

ECG has advised customers to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an official representative by requesting staff identification cards or visiting the nearest ECG district office for confirmation. The company encourages individuals to report suspicious activities to the authorities or through official customer service lines. By strictly adhering to official protocols and utilizing digital payment platforms, customers can protect themselves from financial loss and ensure their power supply remains legitimate and uninterrupted.