BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Southern California Edison is warning customers about scammers posing as the utility and demanding immediate payment, often threatening to shut off power within minutes.
One example of the scam includes a scammer pressuring a customer to pay hundreds of dollars right away. In a recording shared by the utility, the customer says, “You’re telling me I have 30 minutes to come up with this $300 which is down from $450 or you’re going to turn it off and then tomorrow I have to pay all of these connection fees.”
The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of residents being targeted in financial scams where scammers are posing as law enforcement officers while attempting to solicit money. (Getty images)
Southern California Edison, which delivers electricity to about 15 million people across Central, Coastal and Southern California, said the calls are designed to create panic and push people into paying before they can verify the claim.
Spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas said National Consumer Protection Week is a reminder for customers to stay alert. “National Consumer Protection Week is our opportunity to warn our customers and the community at large about scammers,” Ornelas said.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
Ornelas said scammers are impersonating the company and giving customers false information. The utility said that last year, customers filed more than 1,700 fraud complaints and paid scammers more than $130,000. That is a more than 70% drop since 2024, but Ornelas said it remains a serious issue. “Even one dollar handed to scammers, is one too many,” she said.
Ornelas said scammers typically call or may even show up at homes, threatening to disconnect service unless payment is made immediately. She urged customers who receive a suspicious call to hang up and contact Southern California Edison directly. If someone claiming to be from SCE shows up at the door, she said customers should ask to see their ID.
Ornelas said there are clear red flags that indicate they are a scammer. “If they ask about paying over the phone, or if they’re threatening to disconnect your service,” she said.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
She emphasized that the company will never shut off electric service without proper notification. Customers who believe they have been targeted are urged to report it to local authorities and to Southern California Edison.