The PG&E is warning customers of a telephone scam making its way across the Bay area, where scammers demand immediate payment for electricity bills they claim are past due – or else the utilities will be turned off, according to a press release from the Gilroy Police Department.
Both residential and business customers have been targeted, including one confirmed case in Gilroy, the GPD states.
Victims have reported receiving calls from scammers warning that their electricity will be turned off unless an immediate payment is made with a credit card, according to PG&E.
PG&E added that their representatives never ask for personal information such as a credit card number over the phone, or demand immediate payment with a prepaid cash card.
PG&E customers who provide credit card numbers or checking account information over the phone to someone claiming to be collecting on a past due bill are encouraged to report the transaction to their financial institution and law enforcement.
Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request, questions about revealing personal information or to verify an appointment with a representative can call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
