Tips to Stay Safe From Utility Bill Scams
Scammers continue to target utility customers across the country. This year, Southern California Edison customers have reportedly lost a total of more than $478,000 to utility scammers.
Typically, scammers pose as utility “collection” employees and threaten to disconnect electricity service unless a payment is made immediately — often targeting business customers. Calls may falsely appear on your caller ID system as coming from SCE — a process known as spoofing.
Find more ways to stay safe and protect yourself against scams:
on.sce.com/ScamAlert.
Stay connected with Utilities United Against Scams
If you suspect fraudulent activity, hang up and report it to local police and SCE at 1-800-655-4555.
Try to verify the identity of the caller — ask for their name, department and business phone number. Never reveal personal information to anyone, including your SCE My Account credentials, Social Security, and credit card or PIN number.
Remember these tips to avoid being scammed:
- SCE will never call to demand immediate payment with the threat of service disconnection.
- SCE does not accept prepaid cash cards for bill payments.
- SCE does not have a disconnection department.
- An SCE employee will never ask for cash in person.
- SCE does not conduct credit transactions on weekends or holidays.
Additional scams to watch out for:
- If someone calls and asks you to leave your residence at a specific time for a “utility-related” cause, call the police. This could be a burglary attempt set up by the caller.
- SCE does not send solar representatives to customers’ homes or businesses, nor does SCE have solar companies contact customers by phone.
Find more ways to stay safe and protect yourself against scams: on.sce.com/ScamAlert.