Scamming attempts on the rise

Scammers attempt to pressure BGE customers into paying them immediately with a prepaid cash card or cryptocurrency to keep their power on

As more energy is used in the summer months to make homes and businesses more comfortable, BGE reminds everyone to be aware of scammers who are aggressively targeting customers in new ways.

“Scammers are targeting BGE’s customers every day, especially during this time of economic uncertainty and extreme heat,” said Denise Galambos, senior vice president of Customer Operations and Chief Customer Officer for BGE. “We want everyone to know that we will never ask you to pay with a prepaid cash card or cryptocurrency, and that any customer who has questions about their bill or may need assistance with a payment should contact us immediately so that we can help you maintain your energy service.”

Here are some tips to help identify scams:

  1. BGE will never come to a customer’s home or business to:
    • Demand a payment.
    • Ask for immediate payment with a prepaid cash card.
    • Ask for their BGE account number or other personal information, such as a driver’s license number.
  1. BGE will never call a customer to:
    • Ask for their account number.
    • Ask for personal information such as their Social Security number or bank information.
    • Ask them to make a direct payment with a prepaid cash card or cryptocurrency.
  1. To identify an actual BGE employee, remember:
    • All BGE gas and electric employees wear a uniform with the BGE logo, including shirt and safety vest.
    • BGE employees visibly display a company ID badge with BGE’s logo and their name.
    • Note: two versions of BGE’s logo currently exist. Any customer who is uncertain should call BGE at 800.685.0123.

If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call BGE at 800.685.0123.  Customers using MyAccount on BGE.com can confirm their account information anytime.  Any customer who believes he or she has been a target of a scam is urged to contact their local police and call BGE immediately to report the situation.