ConEd Scam Calls, Texts, and Fake Shutoff Threats: How to Spot Them
Updated July 3, 2026 · Independent guide by Meltek — not Con Edison
Utility impersonation is a year-round industry, and ConEd warns customers about it repeatedly. The script is consistent: urgency (your power will be shut off within the hour), an authority prop (spoofed caller ID, fake badge), and an untraceable payment demand.
One rule filters almost every scam: real ConEd does not demand immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or person-to-person transfer app — ever.
The common scripts
- Shutoff-in-an-hour calls demanding payment by prepaid/gift card, crypto ATM, or payment app
- Callback numbers that mimic ConEd phone trees to “verify” the scam
- Fake field technicians requesting entry or cash for urgent meter work
- Texts and emails with payment links for a “past due” balance you do not owe
- Overpayment/refund scams asking for your bank details to return money
How to verify anything ConEd-related
Do not use numbers or links the caller gives you. Log in to your ConEd account directly (your real balance and any notices are there) or call the number printed on your bill. Field employees carry photo ID and will wait while you verify; legitimate meter work is scheduled, not a surprise cash transaction.
Also know which third parties are legitimate: ConEd has authorized payment agents and official program partners (Meltek is a Smart Usage Partner in ConEd's demand response program, for example). Legitimate partners never collect bill payments and never threaten your service — payment demands in a partner's name are scams by definition.
If you got hit
Report it to ConEd through its scam page and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov; add local police if money moved. If you shared account credentials, change your ConEd password and review the account's contact and banking details immediately. Gift card payments are rarely recoverable, but reporting patterns is how spoofed numbers get shut down.
Frequently asked questions
- Does ConEd call customers about shutoffs?
- ConEd communicates about arrears through bills and written notices and offers payment agreements. A call demanding immediate payment via gift card, crypto, or a payment app to stop a same-day shutoff is a scam.
- How do I verify a ConEd field worker at my door?
- Ask for photo ID and verify by calling the number on your bill (not one the worker provides) before granting entry. Legitimate workers expect this. No field worker collects cash.
- I paid a scammer with a gift card — can I get it back?
- Recovery is rare, but act fast: contact the gift card issuer, report to the FTC and police, and alert ConEd. Speed matters more than anything else.
- Are companies that offer ConEd rewards programs legitimate?
- ConEd runs official programs through vetted partners (Smart Usage Partners for demand response, for example). Legitimate partners never collect your bill payment or threaten service — verify any company against the partner lists on coned.com before connecting your account.
Official Con Edison pages for this topic
Meltek is an independent Con Edison Smart Usage Partner, not Con Edison. Program details, amounts, and deadlines are set by Con Edison and change over time — always confirm on the official pages above.
Turn peak hours into payouts
Meltek pays ConEd customers cash for reducing electricity use during summer demand response events. Free to join with your ConEd account — no devices required, leave anytime.
See if your home qualifies