SANTA ROSA — PG&E on Friday alerted customers to be aware of a scam that impacted other utility customers across the country.
The scam — which reportedly takes place in person and through social media, posted fliers and text messages — claims that President Barack Obama is providing a credit or directly paying utility bills.
In some cases, customers were asked for Social Security numbers to apply payments to customers” utility bills, presenting an identity-theft risk.
PG&E reminds customers that the company”s representatives would not ask for personal or banking information over the phone.
PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from scams:
– Customers should always ask to see identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are always willing to show it.
– If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee has identification but customers still feel uncomfortable, they can call PG&E”s customer service line at 800-PGE-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E”s presence in the community. If customers feel threatened in any way, they should notify local law enforcement immediately.
– Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated callback within 48 hours before a scheduled visit, or they will receive a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative before a scheduled visit.
– PG&E”s Credit Department will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who received such a phone call and provided credit card or checking account information should report it immediately to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.
– Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past-due bill, a service request or a request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 800-PGE-5000.
PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam impacting customers. Anyone who received a call or visit similar to the one described above can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 800-PGE-5000.
Customers seeking financial assistance can visit www.pge.com/financialassistance to sign up for pay plans and participate in programs that help them pay their bills.
