#United States #Oakland #Pacific Gas and Electric #Consumer Protection #Utility Scams

PG&E's Call to Action Against Utility Scams

As National Consumer Protection Week unfolds from March 2 to March 8, 2026, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) joins forces with the Federal Trade Commission to alert its customers about the alarming surge in scams targeting utility users. In 2025 alone, PG&E reported a staggering $301,000 lost to utility scams, with each affected customer losing an average of $590. This situation raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of customers, especially as many scam incidents go unreported, indicating that the actual figures could be significantly higher.

The predominant scam technique involves phone calls from individuals posing as PG&E representatives who demand immediate payment to avert service disconnections. Recently, however, scammers have evolved their tactics, finding success at customers' doorsteps, where they attempt to deceive individuals into sharing their utility bill details. Such deceptive approaches prompt PG&E to remind everyone of their company policy: if you receive an unsolicited call or visit from someone requesting sensitive information, the best course of action is to hang up, close the door, and report the encounter.

Matt Foley, PG&E’s chief fraud investigator, emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant in these situations. “If you ever receive a threat of disconnection for failure to pay immediately, do not engage,” he advises. Foley continues, “Simply hang up, close your door, and verify your account through official PG&E channels.” Remember, PG&E will never request sensitive financial information via phone or ask customers to make payments using prepaid debit cards, money transfer services, or by presenting their bills in person.

Targeting Businesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises are equally at risk, facing scams that are particularly aggressive during peak operational hours. PG&E received nearly 850 reports in 2025 of scams targeting business customers, exploiting the urgency business owners feel to maintain their operations. This highlights the need for businesses to educate their employees about recognizing and responding to potential scams effectively.

Recognizing the Signs of a Scam
1. Threat of Disconnection: If you receive a call demanding immediate payment under threat of disconnection, this is a red flag.
2. Requesting to See Your Bill: Anyone requesting to view your utility bill at your doorstep is not affiliated with PG&E.
3. Unusual Payment Requests: Be cautious of any instructions to purchase prepaid cards or use money transfer apps to settle bills.
4. Refund Claims: Scammers may claim that you are owed a refund to trick you into sharing your banking information.

Protecting Yourself
Customers must remain cautious to defend against these fraudulent activities. PG&E encourages customers not to purchase prepaid cards or follow any payment instruction given over the phone to avoid service interruption. The utility company has defined procedures for bill payments that do not involve unsolicited requests for information.

If anyone claims to be a PG&E employee at your door, they must present official identification. Customers can validate a worker's identity by calling PG&E customer service to confirm the individual's legitimacy. This is a simple yet effective way to deter potential scammers.

PG&E also advocates for signing up for online account management at pge.com. Customers can verify their account status, payment history, and set up automatic payments or alerts, all of which add layers of security.

Staying Informed
Scammers have the ability to spoof legitimate phone numbers, making it even more challenging for customers to identify fraudulent communications. In case of any doubts, it is recommended to hang up and reach out directly to PG&E through official contact numbers. In extreme cases where customers feel threatened, contacting local authorities or dialing 911 is imperative.

For those who have fallen victim to such scams or seek advice on protecting their personal information, the Federal Trade Commission’s resources are readily available for assistance. Customers can visit PG&E’s dedicated webpage for additional guidance on recognizing and responding to potential scams.

As we observe National Consumer Protection Week, it’s vital to stay informed, vigilant, and ready to ‘hang up, close the door, and slam the scam’ to protect ourselves from fraud.