An Oakdale resident recently reported a potential scam call from a person identifying themselves as a representative from PG&E, saying the resident’s power was scheduled for shut-off if they didn’t make an immediate payment over the phone. When the resident refuted the claim because they used solar, not PG&E, the caller immediately hung up.
According to PG&E, telephone and email scams are ongoing. Residents are urged to learn about these scams for their protection.
PG&E customers report telephone scams with calls that show PG&E on the caller ID 1-800-743-5000. Or, the caller may falsely claim to represent PG&E.
Some of the fraudulent calls have included:
Telling customers they owe past-due balances or are eligible for a federal tax refund;
Trying to sell a service such as a solar evaluation;
Claiming a power shutoff is imminent and asking for personal information to determine if customer’s address will be impacted;
Claiming to represent a PG&E initiative so they can sell a product or gain entrance to the home.
Be aware that scammers can disguise their true phone numbers or simply claim to be from PG&E.
PG&E will never ask for someone’s financial information over the phone. False financial requests like this should be treated as scams.
The PG&E Corporate Security Department and the authorities are investigating all reported scams.
If you have doubts about an incoming call from PG&E, hang up and call the PG&E Customer Service number: 1-833-500-SCAM (1-833-500-7226).
Hispanic business customers have reported telephone scams warning that their electric service will be disconnected unless they make a payment through a prepaid cash card such as the Green Dot card. PG&E is not making these calls. They will never ask for an immediate payment with a prepaid cash card over the phone or in person. False financial requests like this should be treated like scams.
Scam artists also use email to phish for financial information.
PG&E customers have reported receiving suspicious emails that appeared to be bills sent by PG&E. These bills are fictitious and should be treated like scams.
Anyone who has received a suspected scam email, is urged to email: ScamReporting@pge.com.
The following are tips to help protect residents from potential scams:
Safeguard personal information and credit card numbers by avoiding giving the information out over the phone. If you gave someone your credit card or checking account information over the phone, report it to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.
Beware of emails requesting your personal information. PG&E does not email anyone requesting that they provide personal information without first logging into their online PG&E account or calling.
Call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM (1-833-500-7226) if you’re concerned about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request or request for personal information.
Ask to see identification before letting anyone who claims to be a PG&E representative inside your home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are always willing to show it to the resident.
Call the PG&E Customer Service line at 1-833-500-SCAM (1-833-500-7226) if a person claiming to be an employee shows identification and you still feel uncomfortable. We will verify an appointment and/or the presence of PG&E in the community. If you still feel threatened, notify local law enforcement.
You will receive an automated or personal call from a gas service representative from PG&E prior to a scheduled visit.
Learn more about protecting your home or business at: https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/customer-service/help/scams/contacted-by-pge/contacted-by-pge.page.
