Security

Mobile payment app scams spike significantly

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March 11, 2022

Mobile payment app scams are on the rise, according to research from ComEd, a unit of Chicago-based energy company Exelon Corp. Last month, ComEd received more than 240 reports of scams from customers, according to a press release.

The scammers typically contact customers over phone to demand payments through a mobile payment app or face disconnection of service.

"Scammers keep adding new tools like payment apps to take advantage of unsuspecting victims," Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, said in the release. "Along with impersonating utility representatives, there are fake calls and emails from the IRS, Social Security, and other government officials demanding immediate payments. A lot of scams the BBB sees are based on unconventional payment methods. That is the tip-off to the rip-off. Never give out personal information or send money until you have contacted the company directly to check your account status."