Utility Scams Target SCE Customers
In an era where technology is advancing rapidly, unfortunately, so are the tactics of scammers.
Homeowners and small businesses are particularly vulnerable since fraudsters tend to target these electric utility customers.
So far this year, nearly 1,300 reports have been received from customers targeted by scammers impersonating Southern California Edison. Collectively, they have been swindled out of about $170,000 in fraudulent payments, with the average customer losing $170.
One such scam that has been making the rounds involves a caller posing as an SCE representative.
In one example, the con artist introducing himself as “Kevin, claims to have a work order that authorizes him to disconnect electric service from the property. He urges the customer to call back, threatening the removal of their electric meter if immediate payment is not made.
According to Peggy Garcia, SCE’s Information Governance representative, some scammers go as far as claiming they own the electric meter independently of SCE.
I was calling to confirm that you guys requested this disconnection. If you didn’t request the order, or if you are not aware that you are getting disconnected, how about you just get in communication regarding the services as soon as possible at ###-###-####, from 1 or 2 to speak with a live representative. The work order is #D41612014. Thank you.
“If someone calls you saying they are from SCE, pressuring you about owing money on your electric bill, hang up immediately, said Garcia. “SCE will never ask you for payments over the telephone. We urge customers to stay alert.
Even though the caller ID might indicate SCE, do not assume it is valid — criminals can fake phone numbers.
In a separate scam, social media accounts and websites are claiming they can teach customers how to avoid paying utility bills by citing a consumer law. The crooks are scamming people out of money by offering online classes for a fee.
This is false and there is no law that allows customers to stop paying their electric bill. If they do, they risk having their power shut off. As part of this ruse, customers are being told to write the word “paid on their bills, send it to the utility and their balances will be wiped out.
Quick Tips to Stay Safe from Scams:
- If you suspect you are being scammed, write down the callback number, then hang up and contact SCE using this fraud form.
- Legitimate utility companies will not call you unexpectedly to discuss a disconnection, ask for financial information or demand payment.
- Never share your personal or financial information over the phone, including your SCE PIN code, unless you initiated the call and are sure of the recipient’s identity.
- Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a hasty decision. SCE will give ample notice before a disconnection.
For more information on how to avoid scams and protect your account data, visit sce.com/scamalert.
