Scammers steal almost $900,000 from PG&E customers

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Scammers swindled $875,000 from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers in 2023 by impersonating the company. PG&E said almost 43,000 people reported being targeted by scammers impersonating PG&E with the average customer losing $785.

In the month of January 2024, PG&E said it received 2,500 reports from customers in which victims lost $67,000. Utility scams were at an all-time high in 2023, according to PG&E, and 180 customers fell victim to scammers from Paso Robles to Buellton.

San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties have been impacted with the scams, while the city of Santa Maria has been hit the hardest. Scammers asked customers to pay or service would be cut off immediately.

Here’s the breakdown from PG&E by cities and number of customers affected in 2023, locally:

• Santa Maria, 66
• Paso Robles, 45
• San Luis Obispo, 36
• Atascadero, 15
• Arroyo Grande, 6
• Grover Beach, 6
• Buellton, 2
• Guadalupe, 2
• Cambria 1
• Cayucos 1

Victims were targeted by phone calls and emails, asking people to buy a prepaid card for a past due amount. PG&E wants to remind people that they would never ask for this form of payment nor would cut off power immediately. A red flag to look out for is for scammers asking for payment via prepaid, debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment mobile applications like Zelle or Venmo.

They encourage people to create an online account that people can check and access their account information on. People can also call PG&E directly for any past due concerns. There are programs that can help customers pay for past due bills.

Scammers are targeting the most vulnerable, such as senior citizens, low-income communities, and non-english speakers. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill. PG&E encourages customers to learn to detect and report scams.

Signs of a potential scam

• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.
• Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.
• Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer 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.

PG&E also encourages customers to create accounts on pge.com, or call 1-833-500-SCAM if you are a victim of a scam. Customer service numbers are below.

• General support: 1-877-660-6789 (English)
• Spanish support: 1-800-660-6789 (Español)
• Solar customers: 1-877-743-4112
• Business customers: 1-800-468-4743
• Agricultural customers: 1-877-311-3276
• Solar customers: 1-877-743-4112

What forms of payment are accepted?

PG&E accepts the following forms of payment:

1. Check or cashier’s check
2. Money order
3. Online payment with simple, safe ACH transfer (e-check)

If you feel like you are speaking to a scammer hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Call PG&E to verify your bill payment. Also, If you feel like you were scammed or your identity was stolen call your local law enforcement (911) immediately to report this crime.

For more information visit https://www.pge.com/en/contact-us.html