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ComEd, BBB and Illinois Gas Companies 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"

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.

About the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois

BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois is a nonprofit organization that holds businesses to a higher standard and connect consumers with businesses they can trust. We have served both local Chicago and Northern Illinois consumers and trustworthy businesses for over 95 years. We help protect consumers from fraudulent practices in the marketplace and provide an extensive free database for consumers to see business ratings and reviews for research before they buy.

About ComEd

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers - the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

About Nicor Gas

Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE:SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

About North Shore Gas

North Shore Gas, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves more than 165,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 54 communities in the northern suburbs of Chicago. You can find more information about natural gas safety, energy efficiency and other energy-related topics at northshoregasdelivery.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @northshoregas.

About Peoples Gas

Peoples Gas, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves more than 894,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the city of Chicago. You can find more information about natural gas safety, energy efficiency and other energy-related topics at peoplesgasdelivery.com. Follow us on X and Facebook @peoplegaschi.

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