Watch out for BGE impostors

Towson Manor Village Association President Ed Kilcullen said a man who identified himself as a BGE employee knocked on his door Tuesday night shortly before 10 p.m. The solicitor flashed a badge and said he was following up on a recent BGE mailing offering a discount.

He asked to see a copy of Kilcullen?s BGE bill and, peering outside his door, Kilcullen said he saw other solicitors knocking on the doors of his neighbors.

“I thought it was kind of odd that all of us would have gotten this information and wouldn?t respond,” Kilcullen said. “I told him I wasn?t comfortable with that and he said, ?OK, that?s fine,? and walked away.”

After calling a BGE customer service line, Kilcullen confirmed the visitor was an impostor. Wednesday, BGE spokeswoman Linda Foy said BGE employees typically on the street are meter readers and those responsible for terminating or restoring service.

The company has no way of knowing who the culprit may be, whether it?s a competitor or scam artist, she said.

“We are aware that incidents like these do occur from time to time,” Foy said. “Obviously, BGE employees would have identification with them and we encourage anyone to ask to see that before speaking, much less giving out information.”

BGE employee badges contain photos, names and personnel numbers, according to a company statement released this year warning customers of impostors. Incidents increase during warm weather, officials said.

Baltimore County police officials said residents in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood also have been recent targets. Sgt. Vickie Warehime said residents should not answer their door unless they are expecting a company representative.

Victims of fraudulent solicitations can contact the state?s Public Service Commission to file complaints.

“If you didn?t call them, they shouldn?t be knocking on your door,” Warehime said. “Be suspicious.”

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