Illinois Energy Companies and BBB Provide Practical Tips to Help Prevent Utility Scams

On Utility Scam Awareness Day, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas encourage customers to “Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam”

Chicago – Nov. 19, 2025 – This week, northern Illinois energy providers, in cooperation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), are sharing practical guidance for customers to safeguard against fraudulent individuals impersonating utility representatives in an effort to obtain money or personal information.

On Utility Scam Awareness Day Wednesday, Nov. 19, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, in partnership with the BBB, are endorsing the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) initiative to "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam."

The aim is to encourage people to “slow down” before sharing personal or account details, “verify” the caller's identity by contacting the company directly, and “stop the scam” by reporting the activity to local authorities.

“Scammers are constantly changing tactics and often use threats or urgency to pressure customers,” said Ajit Apte, senior vice president of Customer Operations at ComEd. “The ‘Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam’ framework helps customers pause and confirm suspicious requests before acting.”

The Better Business Bureau also reminds individuals and businesses to stay vigilant to imposters who will show up at homes and businesses, then threatening to turn off utility service if payment to them is not immediately made.

“The BBB is honored to partner with ComEd and other energy providers to raise awareness about utility scams. As leaders in consumer protection, we have a responsibility to ensure people know how to protect themselves,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “The ‘Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam’ message is more than a slogan—it’s a strategy for safety. Together, we’re empowering consumers to recognize red flags and take action. Education is the first line of defense.”

"Scammers are always trying new ways to trick people, but you can keep yourself safe by always slowing down and taking a moment to think,” said Maria Bocanegra, president — Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. “If what the person is saying doesn’t feel right or if you’re being pressured in any way, end the conversation. Hang up the phone, close the door, don’t respond to the email. If you have any further concern, contact your utility directly.”

“Scammers are getting creative and in recent years have expanded their schemes into digital spaces like social media,” said Rich Asiyanbi, vice president of Operations at Nicor Gas. “Slow down, verify and stop scams – it’s up to all of us to be vigilant to keep our personal and financial information safe.”

Tips to Help Identify Scam Attempts
Illinois energy companies also remind customers that they will never call or visit a home or business to:

• pressure you into making an immediate payment using aggressive or threatening tactics;
• threaten to disconnect service if payment is not made within a short timeframe;
• ask for direct payment with a prepaid cash card like Green Dot, or a third-party payment app like Zelle, Cash App, QuickPay and Venmo;
• ask for personal information such as Social Security or driver’s license numbers or advise banking information is needed for a refund.

If a utility field representative visits your home or business, they will wear logoed uniforms and provide identification. If contacted by phone, verify the legitimacy of the call by requesting the caller to confirm information only you would know, such as date, amount or method of last payment.

If ever in doubt about the validity of the person calling or at your door, hang up or shut the door and call the energy company using a phone number from a trusted source like your latest bill or the company website or mobile app.