Pacific Gas and Electric Company is sending out warnings to residents to be on the look-out for scammers out trolling for victims this holiday season.
Based on recent reports from both the Central Valley and the Bay Area, the utility company is warning customers to beware of criminals posing as PG&E utility workers. Some imposters may try to gain entry into a household and steal from unsuspecting customers. Others call customers to warn that their service may be cut off if they fail to pay a past due bill over the phone with a credit card or checking account.PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from these scams:
· 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 always 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-PGE-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community.
· Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated call back 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’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 concerns about the legitimacy of a call they receive about a past due bill, a service request or a request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-800-PGE-5000.
“PG&E takes the security of its customers seriously and is eager to work with law enforcement to catch these criminals,” said company spokesperson Nicole Liebelt.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
