Full Notification

***Resending Original Release***

CONTACT: PG&E Corporate Relations

PG&E WARNS OF TELEPHONE SCAM TARGETING CUSTOMERS

Callers Falsely Claim to Represent PG&E and Demand Immediate Payment
for Allegedly Past Due Bills

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of a telephone scam demanding immediate payment for allegedly past due electricity bills. This scam appears to target both business and residential customers, including Spanish speaking customers.

PG&E customers throughout the utility’s service area -- including in Monterey County -- have reported receiving calls warning that their electric service will be disconnected unless they make immediate payment with a credit card. There has been two cofirmed case here in the City of Gilroy.

PG&E reminds customers that its representatives never ask for immediate payment with a prepaid cash card over the phone or in person.
PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from potential scams:
• PG&E’s Credit Department will not 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 about a past 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.
PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam victimizing customers. Anyone who has received such a call can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California.
For more information, visit http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

By: Sergeant Pedro Espinoza