Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is highlighting the ongoing threat of utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week, observed from March 2 to March 8. The company aims to inform customers about how to recognize and respond to fraudulent activity.
In 2025, PG&E received nearly 24,000 reports from customers who were targeted by individuals pretending to represent the company. These incidents resulted in a reported loss of about $301,000, with an average loss per customer of $590. PG&E notes that these figures may not reflect the full extent of scam attempts because many cases go unreported.
The most common tactic involves scammers calling customers and demanding immediate payment under threat of service disconnection. There has also been a recent increase in imposters visiting homes and asking to see PG&E bills.
Matt Foley, lead scam investigator for PG&E, said: “If you a phone call threatening disconnection if you do not make immediate payment, or if someone at your door asks to see your utility bill, hang up, close the door and slam the scam. Then, call our 800 number or log into your account at PGE.com to verify your billing details.”
Foley added: “Remember, PG&E will never ask you for financial information over the phone or for payment via pre-paid debit cards or money transfer services like Zelle, and we won’t ask to see your bill at your door.”
Small and medium-sized businesses are also being targeted by scammers who tend to contact them during peak business hours. In 2025 alone, there were almost 850 reports involving business customers.
PG&E advises that its employees always carry identification and are willing to show it upon request. Customers can confirm any official visit by calling 800-743-5000. If someone asks to see a bill at the door, this is a sign they are not affiliated with PG&E.
Customers should be aware that legitimate communications regarding overdue accounts come through advance notifications included with regular monthly bills—not through urgent calls demanding specific types of payments such as prepaid debit cards or digital payment apps like Zelle or Venmo.
Scammers have also begun using technology that allows fake caller ID numbers resembling authentic PG&E contact numbers. Customers uncertain about any communication should hang up and call PG&E directly at 1-833-500-SCAM.
For those concerned about fraud or feeling threatened during interactions with suspected scammers, contacting local law enforcement is recommended. Additional resources on protecting personal information can be found on the Federal Trade Commission’s website (https://consumer.ftc.org).
More information about current scams is available at https://www.pge.com/scams.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company serves more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California as part of its parent organization, PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG).
