Scam Alert: Utility Company Warning Customers Of Fake Email

PG&E: Take customer security very seriously.

SAN FRANCISCO: Utility company, Pacific Gas and Electricity (PG&E) are asking people to be extra cautious of a recent scam targeting their customers.

PG&E has learned of the scam sent via an email, targeting residents across the United States, including San Francisco.


The online message  tries to entice the customer to provide some personal information.

The company says it has received calls from people, both within its service area and outside of it, reporting that they have received suspicious emails that appeared to be utility bills from the company.

This is similar to other email and phone scams that have been happening recently throughout the country involving several utilities.

PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Helen Burt said it was unacceptable that customers were being taken advantage of.

"We take our customers' security very seriously and under no circumstances would we email anyone to request that they provide personal information without first logging into My Energy or calling us."

What should I do?
If you receive one of these emails requesting information about your account, PG&E advise the following precautionary measures:

DELETE THE EMAIL
DO NOT respond to the request
DO NOT click on any links in the email
DO NOT open any attachments
DO NOT provide any personal information
Report these contacts to CorporateSecurity@pge.com

The company says that customers should note that PG&E's credit department will never 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.

Customers with any concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past or due bill, service request or request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Customers should always ask 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.

Investigation
PG&E is investigating the situation along with the appropriate authorities. There has been no security breach and the information referenced in the email message is not legitimate.

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