Kumasi: The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to Ghanaians to remain vigilant against mobile money (MoMo) fraudsters who are exploiting the company's name to deceive unsuspecting customers. Mr. George Amoah, General Manager of the Ashanti West Region of ECG, emphasized that the company does not operate any MoMo accounts for customer service payments.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Amoah highlighted that the company had received numerous complaints from customers who had been defrauded by individuals posing as ECG officials. He advised the public to avoid engaging with third parties when seeking services from ECG, as all six district offices under the Ashanti West region, including Abuakwa, Adum, Ahinsan, Danyame, Kokoben, and Suame, had reported such fraudulent activities.
Reports indicate that fraudsters contact clients via phone calls or social media, offering services such as meter installations, replacements, and debt cancellation for a fee. Victims are directed to pay these charges into a purported ECG MoMo account before services are rendered, only to have the fraudsters become unreachable afterward.
Mr. Amoah shared examples of phone numbers used by the fraudsters, including 0531807230, 0508790801, 05403803302, and 0532752541. He recounted an incident where a customer applying for a meter with the Adum District office was asked to pay GHC 900.00 into an ECG MoMo account, followed by an additional GHC 500.00, which raised suspicion and led to a report to the authorities.
In another case, an elderly man was swindled out of GHC 2000.00 for meter installation at Breman. Mr. Amoah assured the public that ECG is collaborating with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. He clarified that customers applying for meters or services should pay GHC 100.00 at the ECG office, after which an estimator would provide a quotation based on an inspection.
Mr. Amoah further explained that payment can be made through the ECG Power App or at the office, and no additional payments are required for meter installation. He stressed that faulty meter replacements are free and warned against making payments to individuals for such services.
He urged Ghanaians to disregard misinformation about a meter shortage, as the Loss Reduction Project (LPG) has ensured sufficient meters for customers. Mr. Amoah appealed to the public to combat MoMo fraud by dealing directly with ECG, making payments at official offices, and reporting any suspicious activity to the police or the nearest ECG office.
