ECG Warns Customers Over Fake Meter Sales and MoMo Scams

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has warned customers across the country about a growing scam involving fake meter sales, fraudulent phone calls and demands for payments through personal mobile money (MoMo) accounts.

According to ECG, fraudsters are posing as company officials or agents and using photos of genuine staff downloaded from social media to appear credible.

The scammers allegedly contact customers claiming that new meters are available or promising to speed up meter applications in exchange for payment.

ECG’s General Manager for External Communications, Dr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, has urged customers to verify all payment requests before sending money.

“ECG runs a fully cashless system. All payments must go through the ECG Power App or the shortcode *226#.”

He warned that money sent to a personal MoMo number does not go to ECG and will not be credited to a customer’s account.

Fake Meter Sales

ECG identified fake meter sales as one of the major schemes being used against customers.

Fraudsters reportedly approach customers directly or advertise meters through platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok and other social media channels.

Some claim they can provide and install meters quickly after receiving payment.

In other cases, customers may receive meters that have not been registered with ECG. The company warned that such installations could be treated as illegal connections.

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

Customers seeking new meters or electricity services have been advised to use ECG’s official channels, including district offices and the ECG Power App, and make approved payments through the authorised system.

Fraudulent Calls Target Customers

Another scam begins with a phone call.

The caller allegedly claims to be an ECG employee and tells the customer that a new meter is ready for collection or installation.

The caller then provides a personal MoMo number and demands immediate payment.

“Our staff do not ask customers to pay into personal mobile money wallets,” Dr Ayiku said.

He urged customers to treat such calls as potential fraud attempts and verify the information directly with ECG.

ECG’s Advice to Customers

The company urged the public to take several precautions:

• Never send money to a personal MoMo number provided by someone claiming to be an ECG employee.
• Do not purchase meters from individuals, WhatsApp contacts or social media advertisements.
• Use the *ECG Power App or 226# for electricity payments and other authorised transactions.
• Never share your MoMo PIN, password or verification code with anyone.
• Ask anyone visiting your home or business on behalf of ECG to produce a valid staff identification card.
• End suspicious calls and report suspected fraud to ECG and the police.

Dr Ayiku stressed that scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency so that victims pay before verifying the request.

He encouraged customers to slow down and confirm information before making any payment.

“Pay only through the ECG Power App or *226#. Treat all other payment requests as fraud and report them.”

ECG’s warning comes as the company urges customers to remain vigilant against individuals exploiting the demand for new electricity meters and other services to defraud the public.

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