Full Notification

ESPD would like to warn the public about scam artists that may call you and pretend to be from Southern California Edison. The scammers threaten to shut off the victim’s power if they do not send them a sum of money. Today (July 21, 2018) they called a business in El Segundo and the victim paid $1,500 out of fear the power would be shut off. The scammers demanded payment via a prepaid debit card.

These phone calls are part of a common scam. The scam is so prevalent that Southern California Edison has a warning notice on their website with tips on how to detect a fraudulent phone call:

Signs of a Scam

Here are a few red flags to help you spot a telephone bill scam.

Scam: Caller demands immediate payment with the threat of shutting off your utility service.
Fact: SCE never calls customers over the telephone to collect overdue bills and will never demand immediate payment with the threat of service disconnection.

Scam: You’re instructed to buy a prepaid debit card at a store within the next 30-60 minutes and load it with money.
Fact: SCE does not accept prepaid cards for bill payments.

Scam: Caller claims to be from SCE’s Disconnection Department.
Fact: SCE does not have a Disconnection Department.

Scam: Caller asks for money in person.
Fact: SCE employees never ask for, or collect, money out in the field.

Scam: You get a call on a weekend or holiday about an unpaid bill.
Fact: SCE does not conduct credit transactions on weekends or holidays.

Scam: You’re told a truck with SCE letters and Service Disconnect is en route to your home or business, or parked outside.
Fact: SCE does not own or operate vehicles with Service Disconnection signage.

ESPD advises everyone to be very suspicious of phone calls from someone that claims to be from a utility company and demands immediate payment or services will be disconnected. If you are in doubt of the authenticity of the phone call, hang up and call the utility service back at their published phone number. You can also call ESPD and we will help you determine if you are being scammed.
#scamalert