Jul 24, 2025
A California utility provider is sounding the alarm after more than 2,500 scam reports have poured in this year alone. PG&E says scammers are impersonating its employees in highly aggressive phone calls.
The caller ID may even say PG&E, and the person on the line sounds calm and professional. They claim you’ve missed a payment and demand immediate action — often using Zelle, a prepaid card or another untraceable method. If you don’t comply, they threaten to cut your power within the hour.
Advertisement
It’s a nightmare scenario for anyone already stressed about bills. And it’s working: around 250 Bay Area residents have fallen victim this year, losing an average of about $900 each. That’s over $225,000 in confirmed losses, and officials suspect many more people paid up but never reported it.
“They're very slick and very deceptive.” PG&E spokesman Jason King told KGO News. “They continue to refine their tactics.”
How to spot and stop the scam
Scammers thrive on pressure and panic. Their goal is to make you act before you think.
Real utility companies like PG&E have clear, consistent billing procedures. They don’t demand immediate payment or threaten disconnection without warning. They also won’t ask you to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or apps like Zelle or Venmo.
If you get a suspicious call:
- Hang up immediately. Don’t engage.
- Call the number on your utility bill or PG&E’s official website to confirm your account status.
- Never give out personal or payment information unless you’ve verified the caller.
If someone shows up at your door:
- Ask for official photo ID — real employees will have it.
- Refuse entry if you feel unsure and call the utility directly.
PG&E urges customers to slow down, verify before paying, and report any suspicious behavior.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Robert Kiyosaki begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ — says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year
- Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and it’s raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Why utility scams are so common — and so successful
Utility impostor scams are big businesses. The Federal Trade Commission says Americans lost over $2.9 billion to impostor scams in 2024 alone. Utility scams alone had a median loss of $463 per victim, per the Better Business Bureau.
Advertisement
What makes these scams so effective is the emotional pressure. Nobody wants their power shut off, especially in a household with children, elderly relatives, or medical needs.
“While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone, and in person,” said Monica Martinez, Executive Director of Utilities United Against Scams.
Scammers also know how to exploit technology. They spoof caller ID, copy logos, and mirror real billing language to create a sense of legitimacy. Once they’ve created panic and established authority, they push for payment using untraceable methods, ensuring they can’t be caught.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Unfortunately, recovering money from a utility scam can be difficult, but there are steps you can take.
If you’ve sent money to a scammer:
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Explain you’ve been scammed and ask if the payment can be reversed or frozen.
- Report the incident to PG&E. They may not be able to refund your money, but they track scam patterns and coordinate with law enforcement.
- File a police report. This helps with bank claims and contributes to broader investigations.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Tell others. Share your experience with friends, neighbors, and on social media. Raising awareness is one of the best ways to prevent future scams.
These scams rely on secrecy. By speaking up, you help protect your community.
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- This 20-year-old lotto winner refused $1M in cash and chose $1,000/week for life. Now she’s getting slammed for it. Which option would you pick?
- Warren Buffett used these 8 repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance contributor for Moneywise, where he writes about the real financial choices facing everyday Americans—from saving for retirement to navigating housing and debt.
