LAKEPORT—Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is alerting customers in Lake County to be aware of ongoing scam phone calls with criminals threatening to shut off power if a payment is not made.
PG&E’s Corporate Security department has received several reports in the past few days regarding scammers requesting payment on past due utility bills immediately using a Green Dot card or Money Pack. The most recent incident happened in Lakeport.
Other scam phone calls, in other areas, include: notifying residents that they are eligible for a federal tax refund related to their utility bill, trying to sell services related to solar evaluation and claiming to represent a PG&E initiative to sell a product in order to gain access to their home.
PG&E reminds customers that its representatives will always carry identification and will never ask for immediate payment with a prepaid cash card over the phone or in person.
PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from all types of potential scams:
- PG&E’s Credit Department will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who has 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, service request or request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Be aware that scammers can disguise their true phone numbers or simply claim to be from PG&E.
- 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 willing to show it to you.
- If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee has identification and you still feel uncomfortable, call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-743-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community. If you feel threatened in any way, notify local law enforcement immediately.
- Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated call back within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit.
PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam victimizing customers. Anyone who has received such a call can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
