As the number of scams — typically by phone, online or in-person — targeting utility customers continue at an alarming rate, PG&E is joining the Federal Trade Commission to help customers recognize the warning signs.
With National Consumer Protection Week ending this weekend, PG&E notes that in 2021, it received over 11,000 reports from customers targeted by scammers impersonating the company, costing customers nearly $600,000 in fraudulent payments. The number of reports is continuing at a high level in 2022, with PG&E receiving 1,055 reports of attempted scams in January alone, costing customers over $65,000.
In February alone, Sonoma County had 70 reported scam attempts in 2022, while Marin had 15 and Napa had seven. Vallejo had eight, while Benicia had three.
“PG&E would like to remind customers if you ever receive a call threatening disconnection if you do not make immediate payment, hang up and either call PG&E to confirm your account details or log onto your account on PGE.com,” said Chris Zenner, vice president, PG&E residential services and digital channels. “Remember, PG&E will never ask for you for your financial information over the phone or via email, nor will we request payment via pre-paid debit cards or other payment services like Zelle.”
Scammers are opportunistic and look for times when customers may be distracted or stressed, as has been the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails,…
