Greek power company warns of scammers posing as utility workers

Greece's electricity grid operator, HEDNO, is warning that scammers are pretending to be its workers. They call people or show up at the door, often saying there is a problem with an unpaid power bill. The goal is to get cash, jewelry or personal information.

What the scammers do

The warning came from Kounouklas, president of the company's technical union. He said HEDNO will never ask for money over the phone, or for jewelry or valuable items. Scammers play on worry about electricity debts, and both older and younger customers are being targeted.

Some victims were also asked about household appliances and how much power they use. Kounouklas said such questions are not part of the company's procedures.

How real workers behave

Real HEDNO staff only work up to the electricity supply point and the meter. They do not need to go inside a private home for inspections or repairs. When they need access to a building or meter, they carry official ID and wear set uniforms. No employee will come to your door to collect money for a debt arrangement or payment.

The steps in the alert box above cover what to do if someone calls or knocks. The main point is simple: a request for cash or entry to your home over a power bill is a red flag.

What to watch for next

The warning follows recent arrests tied to illegal meter tampering and to deceptive phone calls aimed at consumers. A related report describes an elderly woman who let two fraudsters into her home over a supposed tax refund, and lost cash and valuable jewelry. That case was a different pretext, but the same door-knock trick. The material does not say how many people have been hit by the HEDNO impersonation scams or where. Older relatives are common targets, so it is worth passing this warning along to them.