Picture of a valid Card. However it is missing the PG&E Rep’s name. In cases like this call 1-800-PGE-5000 to confirm.
A concerned citizen came by Tavarval Station and provided us with a PG&E “Can’t Get In” (CGI) card and wanted to know if it is a scam or actual work being done.
Please be aware that there are imposters who will pose as utility workers to gain entry into a home and steal from unsuspecting residents or even case the house for later crime.
PG&E employees are required to conduct inspections and they will usually inform customers via automated calls and/or letters. While there may currently be inspections being conducted at certain zip code areas, please call PG&E directly to confirm if they are inspecting in your area.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Customers should always ask to see valid identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home.
- If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee has identification but you still feel uncomfortable, call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000 at any time. They are open specifically 24/7 to help verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community. In case you are unable to locate the PG&E customer service number, call 911.
- Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated call within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or they will receive a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit.
PG&E also keeps an updated list of scams on their website. Here is a summary of current frauds indicated by PG&E. For more information, visit their web site and read more »
Caller ID
In one such scam, PG&E customers and people in other parts of the country have told the company that they are receiving calls that show PG&E’s caller ID (1-800-743-5000) on their phones. Customers are told they have a past-due balance owed or that they are eligible for a federal tax refund.
PG&E is not making these calls. PG&E will never ask for financial information from customers over the phone so customers should treat any request like this as a scam.
PG&E’s Corporate Security Department and the proper authorities are investigating this scam.
If a customer ever doubts the validity of an incoming call from PG&E, they should hang up and call the company’s customer service number, 1-800-743-5000.
Green Dot Scam Targeting Hispanic Businesses
In another scam, callers are specifically targeting Hispanic business customers who are told that immediate payment is needed for an allegedly past due electricity bills. This scam appears to specifically target Hispanic business customers.
PG&E customers in the Bay Area have reported receiving calls warning that their electric service will be disconnected unless they make immediate payment through a prepaid cash card, such as a PayPal or Green Dot card. PG&E reminds customers that its representatives never ask for immediate payment, especially with a prepaid cash card over the phone or even in person. Read more about this scam »
Email Scam
Earlier this year, PG&E received calls from people, both within its service area and outside of it, reporting that they have received suspicious emails that appeared to be bills sent by PG&E. These bills were fictitious. Read more about this scam »
PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from potential scams
- PG&E’s Credit Department will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who has received such a phone call and provided credit card or checking account information should report it immediately to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.
- PG&E takes our customers’ security very seriously and under no circumstances would the company email anyone to request that they provide personal information without first logging into My Energy or calling us.
- Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request or request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- Customers always should to see identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are willing to show it to you.
- If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee has identification and you still feel uncomfortable, call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-743-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community. If you feel threatened in any way, notify local law enforcement immediately.
- Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated call back within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit.