ECG Warns Ghanaians Over Fake Calls on Meter Acquisition — Growing Mobile Fraud Threatens Consumer Trust

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a strong warning to the public to beware of fraudsters posing as company officials and promising to expedite the acquisition of electricity meters. The company says several customers have fallen victim to phone scams in which con artists impersonate ECG staff to extort money through mobile money transfers.

According to ECG’s General Manager of External Relations, Mr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, these fraudulent individuals contact unsuspecting customers under the pretense of helping them obtain new meters or resolve meter-related challenges. Some of the scammers, he said, even download photos of ECG staff from social media to appear credible when contacting their targets.

The warning follows a surge in public complaints across various regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern, where many residents have reported receiving unsolicited calls offering to “speed up” meter installations for a fee.

How the Fraudsters Operate in Ghana

Mr. Ayiku explained that the perpetrators often introduce themselves as ECG staff or “official agents” and offer to process new prepaid or postpaid meters quickly — but only if the customer sends payment to a specific mobile money number.

“We have received numerous reports from customers who have been contacted by people claiming to work with ECG,” Mr. Ayiku said. “They ask customers to send money via mobile money for meter registration or installation. We want to make it clear that ECG does not collect payments this way. No staff member or agent is authorised to receive money directly from customers.”

He added that the company conducts all financial transactions *only through official channels, including the *ECG Power App or the *short code *226#*. Customers are therefore urged to disregard any call or message requesting payment outside these platforms.

The ECG’s caution reflects a broader national concern about digital and mobile fraud in Ghana, particularly as more utility services move online. The widespread use of mobile money — with over 18 million registered users according to Bank of Ghana data — has created new opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting citizens.

Electricity meters, which are already in high demand due to population growth and urban expansion, have become a prime target for fraudsters. Meter acquisition delays or bureaucratic hurdles sometimes push customers to seek “shortcuts,” which scammers take advantage of.

This warning is therefore not only about ECG’s service integrity but also about protecting the public from financial loss and identity theft.

Ghana’s electricity access rate currently stands at about 88 percent, one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Ministry of Energy. However, high demand for new service connections in urban and peri-urban areas continues to put pressure on ECG’s operational systems.

In recent months, social media has seen an increase in advertisements from self-proclaimed “ECG agents” offering meters within days — usually in exchange for unofficial fees. Some customers, desperate for faster service, have been lured into paying hundreds or even thousands of Ghana cedis, only to discover that the transactions were fraudulent.

Such cases have led to public frustration and mistrust, not only toward the scammers but also toward the legitimate company, which often has to address the aftermath of these deceptions.

How Customers Can Stay Safe

ECG is advising customers to use only official ECG platforms and offices for all meter-related requests. The company has also published the following safety measures:

1. Do not send money to personal mobile numbers claiming to be ECG accounts.
2. Verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent ECG by visiting a recognised district or regional office.
3. *Use the ECG Power App or *226#* for all payments and applications.
4. Report suspicious messages or calls to the nearest ECG office or via the company’s official helpline.
5. Keep personal information private, especially details related to your ECG account or prepaid meter.

According to the company, it has enhanced its customer service surveillance to trace fraudulent numbers and collaborate with security agencies to apprehend the culprits.

Some residents in Accra and Kumasi who have fallen victim to the scam shared their experiences, saying the fraudsters appeared “professional” and even provided fake ECG identity cards to convince them. One resident in Ashaiman said she lost GHS 800 after being promised a new prepaid meter within three days.

Consumer protection groups have praised ECG’s proactive communication but have also called for greater public education on digital fraud, particularly in rural areas where awareness may be limited.

Cybersecurity experts note that these scams are part of a growing trend of social engineering attacks, where criminals manipulate people into divulging information or sending money.

Ghana’s transition to digital payments and online service management has boosted convenience but also expanded opportunities for fraud. With the government pushing for a cashless economy through initiatives like the Ghana Card integration, experts warn that public education must move just as quickly to ensure citizens are aware of digital risks.

The ECG’s warning serves as a reminder that cyber hygiene — verifying sources, using official apps, and reporting suspicious activity — is essential for maintaining public trust in digital services.

The Electricity Company of Ghana’s alert is a necessary intervention in protecting consumers from rising digital fraud schemes. While technology continues to make utility services more accessible, it also demands increased vigilance from both institutions and the public.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of such warnings will depend on consistent enforcement, timely communication, and the willingness of customers to follow safe transaction practices.

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