A new wave of phone scammers are targeting our customers, threatening to cut off their service unless they pay a past due utility bill immediately with prepaid cards. In some cases, scammers are telling customers that their payment did not go through, so they need to go to a store to get a prepaid card to make payment.

You should know that SDG&E will never proactively contact customers to get their credit card, banking or other financial information over the phone, and demand immediate payment.

Even if you have a past-due balance that needs to be paid, we will always provide past-due notices in writing before shutting off service. And we work with customers on payment plans to help them catch up with past due balances.

If you are a caretaker for an older adult, have elderly relatives or friends, please warn them about utility scams and urge them to follow the tips below to avoid becoming a victim.

Caller ID spoofing

If you receive a phone call from a person claiming to work for SDG&E and the caller asks for immediate payment over the phone, it is a scam. Hang up the phone. Here are a few additional tips to consider:

• Never provide financial information by telephone unless you made the call.
• Contact SDG&E directly at 1-800-411-7343 if you have any questions about resolving an outstanding balance or if you are the slightest bit suspicious about a call from someone claiming to be from SDG&E.
• Use our convenient online tools to manage your account, including checking the status of your bill or making a payment.

A good resource is the Federal Communications Commission’s guide to help consumers avoid falling victim to phone ID spoofing: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id.

Online scams

Online “phishing,” or when someone sends a fake but authentic-looking email to you in hopes of getting your information, is a common scam. Always use caution with email.

• Don’t click on any links in the email.
• Don’t download any attachments.
• Don’t reply to the email.
• Don’t provide any information – especially sensitive data like your credit card or your social security number.

Imposters at your door

Next time someone claiming to work for SDG&E seeks to enter your home or business, check to make sure they are wearing a real SDG&E uniform and ask them to show you their company identification card. Look to see that they arrived in a SDG&E-marked company vehicle.

If you are still suspicious, please call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343..

Learn more

Criminals work year-round to come up with new ways to defraud people. Arm yourself with information by visiting sdge.com/avoid-scams.