PG&E is warning consumers of a new scam where customers are told their service will be disconnected unless they pay up via a barcode or QR code that is sent to them by email or a text.
So far this year scam victims have lost more than $211,000, with 399 reports coming from Alameda County and 278 in Contra Costa County, according to a Local News Matter report.
Here’s how it happens: After a scammer calls a customer, they send them a payment code. The customer is then told to take it to a store and make a payment.
“If you receive a call of this nature, hang up. If someone at your door asks to see your utility bill, close the door. Then, call our 800 number (1-833-500-SCAM) or log into your account at PGE.com to verify your billing details,” said PG&E lead scam investigator Matt Foley in a statement.
Signs of a potential scam
- Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.
- Asking to see your bill: If someone comes to your home and asks to see your bill, they are not with PG&E.
- Request for immediate payment via prepaid debit card or money transfer service: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid debit card then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment, or they may ask for payment via a money transfer service.
- Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate, and then ask you for your banking information. — Source: PG&E
Foley reminds customers that PG&E will never ask customers for financial information over the phone or for payment via a barcode, a QR code or pre-paid debit cards or money transfer services such as Zelle, and no one will come to your door asking to see a bill.
The average loss per-victim was $969, PG&E said, though many incidents go unreported.
Scammers are also targeting small- and medium-sized businesses, with 656 cases reported this year, PG&E said.
Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud are told to contact their local police department.
