A California utility provider is sounding the alarm after more than 2,500 scam reports have poured in this year alone. PG&E says scammers are impersonating its employees in highly aggressive phone calls.
The caller ID may even say PG&E, and the person on the line sounds calm and professional. They claim you’ve missed a payment and demand immediate action — often using Zelle, a prepaid card or another untraceable method. If you don’t comply, they threaten to cut your power within the hour.
It’s a nightmare scenario for anyone already stressed about bills. And it’s working: around 250 Bay Area residents have fallen victim this year, losing an average of about $900 each. That’s over $225,000 in confirmed losses, and officials suspect many more people paid up but never reported it.
“They’re very slick and very deceptive.” PG&E spokesman Jason King told KGO News. “They continue to refine their tactics.”
Don’t miss
- I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
- Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
- Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
How to spot and stop the scam
Scammers thrive on pressure and panic. Their goal is to make you act before you think.
Real utility companies like PG&E have clear, consistent billing procedures. They don’t demand immediate payment or threaten disconnection without warning. They also won’t ask you to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or apps like Zelle or Venmo.
If you get a suspicious call:
- Hang up immediately. Don’t engage.
- Call the number on your utility bill or PG&E’s official website to confirm your account status.
- Never give out personal or payment information unless you’ve verified the caller.
If someone shows up at your door:
- Ask for official photo ID — real employees will have it.
- Refuse entry if you feel unsure and call the utility directly.
PG&E urges customers to slow down, verify before paying, and report any suspicious behavior.
Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
Why utility scams are so common — and so successful
Utility impostor scams are big businesses. The Federal Trade Commission says Americans lost over $2.9 billion to impostor scams in 2024 alone. Utility scams alone had a median loss of $463 per victim, per the Better Business Bureau.
What makes these scams so effective is the emotional pressure. Nobody wants their power shut off, especially in a household with children, elderly relatives, or medical needs.
“While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone, and in person,” said Monica Martinez, Executive Director of Utilities United Against Scams.
Scammers also know how to exploit technology. They spoof caller ID, copy logos, and mirror real billing language to create a sense of legitimacy. Once they’ve created panic and established authority, they push for payment using untraceable methods, ensuring they can’t be caught.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Unfortunately, recovering money from a utility scam can be difficult, but there are steps you can take.
If you’ve sent money to a scammer:
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Explain you’ve been scammed and ask if the payment can be reversed or frozen.
- Report the incident to PG&E. They may not be able to refund your money, but they track scam patterns and coordinate with law enforcement.
- File a police report. This helps with bank claims and contributes to broader investigations.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Tell others. Share your experience with friends, neighbors, and on social media. Raising awareness is one of the best ways to prevent future scams.
These scams rely on secrecy. By speaking up, you help protect your community.
What to read next
- Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
- Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
- Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
- How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Related Posts
