Caller identification (ID) scams

Recently, there has been an uprise in PG&E customers reporting telephone scams with calls that show PG&E on the caller ID 1-800-743-5000. Or, the caller may falsely claim to represent PG&E.

Some of the fraudulent calls have included:

• Telling customers their bill is past due and that power will be shut off within the hour unless payment is made immediately.
• Asking for payment to PG&E to be made with a gift card, MoneyPak® Card, or through a payment app such as Venmo or Zelle®. 
• Asking for your PG&E account number, login, or Social Security number to understand your energy usage while attempting to sell you a service or provide an energy evaluation. Vendors do not need this information to get your usage data. PG&E offers the Share My Data program for vendors to get usage data only (not personal information) with your permission.
• Telling customers that they are entitled to a PG&E refund and/or discount, a federal tax refund, or owe past-due balances to PG&E. The caller will attempt to obtain your PG&E account number and other personal information.
• Claiming a power shutoff is imminent and asking for personal information to determine if the customer’s address will be impacted.
• Claiming to represent a PG&E initiative so they can sell a product or gain entrance to your home.

Be aware that scammers can disguise their true phone numbers or simply claim to be from PG&E. PG&E is not making these calls.

PG&E WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE. False financial requests like this should be treated as scams.

Take action against caller ID scams

If you have doubts about an incoming call from PG&E, hang up and call the PG&E Customer Service number: 1-833-500-SCAM (1-833-500-7226).

Avoid scams targeting Hispanic businesses

Hispanic business customers report telephone scams warning that their electric service will be disconnected unless they make a payment through a prepaid cash card such as the Green Dot card. PG&E is not making these calls. We never ask for immediate payment with a prepaid cash card over the phone or in person. False financial requests like this should be treated like scams.

View more information about scams targeting Hispanic businesses. Visit PG&E Warns Customers of Telephone Scam Targeting Hispanic Businesses.

Protect yourself against email scams

PG&E customers report receiving suspicious emails that appeared to be bills sent by PG&E. These bills are fictitious and should be treated like scams.

View more information about email scams. Visit PG&E Warns of Scam Emails

If you receive a suspected scam email, email: ScamReporting@pge.com.

Guard against potential loss from scams

The following are tips to help protect you from potential scams:

• Safeguard your personal information and credit card numbers by avoiding giving the information out over the phone. If you gave someone your credit card or checking account information over the phone, report it to the credit card company, bank, and law enforcement.
• Beware of emails requesting your personal information. PG&E takes your security very seriously. We do not email anyone requesting that they provide personal information without first logging into your online PG&E account or calling us.
• Call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM (1-833-500-7226) if you're concerned about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request, or request for personal information
• Ask to see identification before letting anyone who claims to be a PG&E representative inside your home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are always willing to show it to you.
• Call the PG&E Customer Service line at 1-833-500-SCAM (1-833-500-7226) if a person claiming to be an employee shows identification and you still feel uncomfortable. We will verify an appointment and/or the presence of PG&E in the community. If you still feel threatened, notify local law enforcement.
• You will receive an automated or personal call from a gas service representative from PG&E prior to a scheduled visit.

To learn more about protecting your home or business. Visit Verify PG&E contact.