SDG&E warns customers about a new wave of utility scams

SAN DIEGO – A new wave of scammers is targeting San Diego Gas & Electric customers, threatening to cut off their service unless they pay their utility bills immediately with prepaid cards. The most common tactic reported is scammers impersonating SDG&E’s billing department and asking for payment via Green Dot MoneyPak, a way of sending cash via prepaid or bank debit cards.

Known as the “Pay-by-Phone” scam, or “Green Dot” scam, criminals typically threaten immediate power shut-offs to scare customers into making an immediate payment. Once customers purchase prepaid debit cards, or make wire transfers based on the scammer’s instructions, they are asked to call another phone number to provide the card information, which allows the thieves to steal the money.

It can be especially confusing for victims, as the phone number scammers use may play a recorded message and menu options that mimic SDG&E’s official customer service line, which is 800-411-7343. When victims call the number provided by scammers, they may hear a recorded message that tells them they are calling SDG&E’s business line. They are given different menu options, including one to pay their bill or to report a gas leak or power outage. To avoid becoming a victim of utility scams, follow the tips below.

The bottom line is SDG&E will not call a customer to proactively ask for payment information during the call. Customers may receive communications directing them to pay their bill via their MyAccount at http://www.sdge.com, use the Billmatrix system or to call and use the automated pay-by-phone option at 800-411-7343.

SDG&E will not request that a customer use pre-paid debit cards for payments or cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to pay their bill or send emails with an online payment method with a QR code.

If you suspect that a caller may be a utility scammer, keep the following in mind.

If a caller claims to work for SDG&E and asks for payment over the phone, it is a scam, hang up.

Only provide financial information by telephone if the customer initiated the call.

Hang up and call SDG&E directly at 800-411-7343 to verify information about the account. Customers can also view their account status, including bills and payments, through SDG&E’s mobile app or via http://www.sdge.com/myaccount.

Don’t be the next victim.

Criminals work year-round to come up with new ways to defraud people. SDG&E works hard to make sure customers know what to do if they are targeted.  Unfortunately, scams are on the rise, especially during times of uncertainty and crises like with the pandemic.

Victims of fraud are urged to call SDG&E immediately at 800-411-7343 to report it.

SDG&E is a San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing around 45% of its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas infrastructure; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous nonprofit partners and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy. For more information, visit http://SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Submitted by San Diego Gas and Electric.