Business & Tech

Beware of Utility Imposters Says BGE

Scam artists may misrepresent themselves to gain entry into the home to rob victims.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) would like to remind customers that the company does not contact customers to retrieve personal information or credit cards over the phone. In addition, BGE representatives do not ask to gain entry to homes or businesses unannounced.

On May 5, BGE sent out an alert to homeowners and businesses because there have been at least two incidents recently where individuals falsely representing themselves as BGE employees have gained entry into homes and then stolen cash and other personal belongings.

In one instance in Glen Burnie, the victim was robbed at gunpoint.

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According to the BGE bulletin, the phony "BGE" callers ay that they are trying to collect on past due BGE bills and threaten to suspend service unless "payments" are made.

“BGE reminds customers that employees carry photo identification cards which should always be visible, especially during rare instances when a BGE employee must visit a customer’s home,” said Jeannette M. Mills, chief customer officer for BGE. “Customers can always call BGE to verify an individual visiting their home is a BGE employee. As a reminder, BGE no longer accepts cash payments in the field and generally only requires entry into a customer’s home in response to gas or electric emergencies, to check BGE equipment, read BGE meters or to start or stop service.”

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In addition, BGE recommends customers take the following steps to help ensure their safety against impostors:

  • Do not open your door to someone you do not recognize
  • Ask for a photo identification through the door or window, especially if you did not schedule a visit from BGE
  • Report suspicious activity to the police and BGE
  • NEVER give cash to someone claiming to be collecting a BGE payment


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