Scammers Targeting North Bay PG&E Customers, Utility Co. Says

NORTH BAY, CA — Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is alerting customers, especially in the North Bay and North Coast, to be aware of an ongoing scam in which criminals threaten to shut off power if a payment is not made. The Petaluma Police Department warned about the scam last week, and Monday, PG&E confirmed it, saying twice the number of scam attempts have been reported this year compared to the same time last year.

PG&E's Corporate Security department has received several reports in the past few weeks regarding scammers requesting payment on past due utility bills immediately with a cash card, PG&E's North Bay Spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said in a news release.

The most recent incidents reported to PG&E have happened in Marin, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino and Humboldt counties.

"In the past, we've seen scammers demanding payment be made using a Green Dot card or Money Pack but now we're seeing these criminals requesting payment with a gift card," said Kevin Cashman, PG&E security investigator for the North Bay and North Coast. "This should raise a red flag."

PG&E says the scam is becoming more detailed. The scammers include specific names of customers, and in some cases, guessing general dollar amounts owed. They are also disguising their true phone numbers with a caller ID that says "PG&E" or "Pacific Gas & Electric."

According to PG&E, other scam phone-call tactics 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 says to avoid falling prey to the scam, customers should note that:

• PG&E 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.

• 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.

PG&E says anyone who feels threatened in any way by the scammers should immediately notify their local law enforcement.

Anyone who has received such a call can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 800-743-5000 or visit www.pge.com/scams, Contreras said.

"PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam victimizing customers," Contreras said.