Action/Alerts
Utility scams are on the rise. PG&E advises customers how to avoid becoming a victim
January 8, 2024
With reports of scams targeting utility customers at an all-time high PG&E officials share tips with customers to help recognize the signs of a potential scam. Educate yourself about typical scams so you don't become a victim.
Recognize the signs of a scam
- Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.
- Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct you to purchase a prepaid card, then call them back, supposedly to make a bill payment.
- Request for prepaid card: When you call back, the caller asks you for the prepaid card's number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card's funds.
- Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund or that you are entitled to a rebate, and will ask you for your personal financial information.
- Scammers impersonating trusted phone numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers that appear on your phone display. The numbers don't lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and call PG&E at (833) 500-SCAM. If you ever feel that you are in physical danger, call 911.
How you can protect yourself
- Never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how you should make a bill payment, and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail, or in person.
- If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, hang up the phone, delete the e-mail, or shut the door.
- Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill. Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. Not only can you log in to check your balance and payment history, you can also sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing, and helpful alerts.
- If you suspect that you've been a victim of fraud or feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, contact local law enforcement.
- The Federal Trade Commission's website is also a good source of information about how to protect your personal information. For more information about scams visit pge.com/scams or consumer.ftc.gov/scams.