Utility Scam Alert in Central Valley
PG&E warns that scammers stole over $300,000 from Central Valley customers in 2025 by threatening immediate shutoffs. The utility reminds customers to verify suspicious calls directly and never pay via gift card or wire transfer.
PG&E reports that in 2025, nearly 24,000 customers reported being targeted by scammers, with total losses exceeding $300,000. The average loss per customer was approximately $590. These scams often spike during the holidays, a period of increased stress and distraction for many. Scammers frequently impersonate PG&E, threatening immediate service disconnection if payment isn't made. They often demand payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or money transfer apps like Zelle and Venmo, which PG&E never uses. Small and medium-sized businesses are also heavily targeted, especially during their busiest hours. A recent scam involves fraudsters claiming a SmartMeter deposit is needed to avoid disconnection. Other tactics include offering false refunds or rebates to get banking information. Some scammers even create fake websites with fraudulent phone numbers that appear when searching for PG&E services. PG&E emphasizes that they will not ask for financial information over the phone and will provide advance disconnection notifications via mail. Customers can verify their account details and balances by logging into their account at PGE.com or calling PG&E's customer service line. If you suspect a scam, contact PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM or report it online.
