Pay-by-Phone Scam Continues to Target Customers

Pay-by-Phone Scam Continues to Target Customers

SDG&E recently worked with KUSI San Diego to get the word out about a pay-by-phone scam targeting the company’s customers. In some instances, scammers use technology to “spoof” caller ID, so that a call displays as coming from “San Diego Gas & Electric,” regardless of its actual source.

The criminals typically threaten immediate power shut-offs to scare customers to take immediate action. The scammers then instruct customers to purchase prepaid debit cards, and direct them to call another phone number to provide the card information, which allows the thieves to remove the cash value.

Protect yourself with these tips:

  • Remember, scammers often are able to obtain information like addresses and phone numbers through simple internet searches, making it difficult to recognize a call as fake.
  • SDG&E always provides past-due notices in writing before service disconnections for non-payment. Even if you are aware of a past-due balance on your account, do not provide any payment information over the phone unless you have initiated the call.
  • SDG&E will never proactively call a customer for credit card or other financial information.
  • If you receive a call that makes you at all suspicious or uncomfortable, hang up and call SDG&E on our main customer service line at 800-411-7343. Customers can also enroll in My Accountto instantly and securely verify account balances.
  • SDG&E customer service agents are trained to work with customers to arrange for a payment plan or other payment process and cannot authorize a shut-off without proper written notification. We will never call and demand immediate payment or financial information.
  • SDG&E asks customers who suspect they were the target of a scam attempt or have been victim to the fraud report the incident to local law enforcement. SDG&E investigates all reported scams in an effort to protect our customers.