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PG&E Encourages Vigilance Against Utility Scams

As the festive season draws near, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining forces with Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) in a mission to raise awareness about utility scams. With a significant number of customers falling victim to scams, PG&E is urging its clientele to adopt the mantra "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam" on Utility Scam Awareness Day, observed on November 19.

During 2025, PG&E customers have reported close to $300,000 in losses to scammers—a staggering figure that underscores the necessity for awareness and caution. Over 21,000 reports of scam attempts have been logged this year, with the average loss amounting to approximately $670. These numbers suggest that scammers are aggressively targeting unsuspecting individuals, especially during this bustling holiday season.

Understanding Scammers' Tactics

The tactics employed by fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Often, they create a sense of urgency, threatening immediate disconnection of utility services unless payment is made immediately. Although many customers are aware of online shopping scams, it’s critical to recognize that utility bill scams exist and can manifest via phone calls, emails, or even face-to-face interactions.

Matt Foley, PG&E's lead scam investigator, emphasizes, "Scammers attempt to instill a false urgency, compelling customers to make rash decisions. Remember, PG&E will not contact you under the pretense of disconnection within an hour’s notice. We do not request payments via prepaid debit cards or online services like Zelle or Venmo. If something feels off, end the call and verify through our official channels."

Businesses, too, aren’t safe from these scams. Small and medium enterprises also report attempts to exploit them, especially during peak operational hours, putting their operational continuity at risk. PG&E noted approximately 700 scam attempts targeting businesses throughout 2025, highlighting the widespread nature of this threat.

The Importance of 'Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam' Framework

The 'Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam' framework is designed to help customers navigate potential scams effectively:

• - Slow Down: If you receive a call claiming your services will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made, hang up. PG&E will never request payment information over the phone.
• - Verify: Log in to your My Account at PG&E.com to check your account status or call their customer service at 800-743-5000. It's important to not use any numbers provided by a suspected scammer.
• - Stop the Scam: Report the incident to PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM or through the PGE.com/scams page, and notify local law enforcement to help combat these trends.

Proactive Measures for Customers

An essential step toward protection is creating an online account at PG&E.com. This platform allows customers to view their account status, payment history, sign up for paperless billing, and set up recurring payments. Having direct access to your account mitigates the risks of falling into a scam trap.

Additionally, scammers have become skilled at impersonating legitimate businesses, utilizing familiar 800 numbers that could mislead customers. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious and always double-check the legitimacy of any queries received.

Remaining vigilant and informed is critical in preventing fraud. If any physical threat arises from a scam interaction, immediatly contact local authorities or 911.

For more information about scams, PG&E has a dedicated section at pge.com/scams where customers can stay updated and informed about protective measures against scams.

The Role of UUAS

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) is a coalition comprised of over 150 electric, water, and natural gas utility providers across the U.S. and Canada. Their collective goal is to combat impostor utility scams through data sharing and best practice implementation, ensuring that customers remain informed and protected.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company serves approximately 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For further insights and updates, visit their official website.