Greece’s electricity distribution operator has warned consumers about a rise in scams involving people pretending to be its employees and attempting to steal money, jewelry or other valuables.
Stefanos Kounouklas, president of the Association of PPC Technical Employees, urged citizens to remain cautious, stressing that representatives of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) never ask for payments over the phone or visit homes to arrange debt settlements.
Speaking to ERTnews Radio, Kounouklas said fraudsters have recently been contacting unsuspecting consumers while falsely claiming to act on behalf of DEDDIE.
No phone checks or debt settlements
Kounouklas stressed that HEDNO does not conduct inspections by telephone and does not contact consumers from unknown numbers to arrange payments or settle outstanding bills.
“HEDNO will never ask for money over the phone, jewelry or valuable items,” he said, urging consumers to be alert to suspicious calls.
He added that scammers often exploit people’s concerns about possible electricity debts, with both elderly and younger consumers among those targeted.
Some victims have also been asked for personal information about household appliances and electricity consumption. Kounouklas said such requests are not part of DEDDIE’s procedures.
Workers only operate up to the electricity meter
The technical union president explained that HEDNO employees’ responsibilities extend only up to the electricity supply point and the meter.
Employees do not need to enter private homes for inspections, repairs or meter-related work beyond that point, he said.
When access to a building or meter is required, authorized workers carry official identification and wear specific uniforms that allow consumers to verify their identity.
Consumers urged to verify identities
Kounouklas said legitimate HEDNO workers will be able to show their official identification and will never ask residents to hand over cash or valuables.
He also warned that no employee would arrive at a home claiming to collect money for a debt arrangement or payment.
The warning comes after authorities recently made arrests related to illegal interventions in electricity meters, as well as cases involving individuals allegedly using deceptive phone calls to target consumers.
Kounouklas said increased public awareness has helped many people recognize potential scams, but urged consumers to continue exercising caution.
