CENTRAL VALLEY, Calif. (KFSN) — Pacific Gas and Electric Company says utility scams cost customers more than $300,000 in 2025, with crooks targeting communities across the Valley and pressuring residents to make immediate payments they may not owe.
According to the company, customers lost an average of $590 each in fraudulent transactions last year.
PG&E says more than a dozen Valley cities were affected.
“They put that type of pressure on by saying if you do not pay this immediately, we’re going to shut off your power and they often prey on the elderly and those who have English as a second language,” PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith said.
Fresno reported the highest number of scam cases with 689. Clovis received 131 reports, Merced had 88, Madera 79 and Atwater reported 41 incidents.
PG&E says the actual number of scams may be even higher.
The company reports that the most common tactic involves phone calls in which scammers threaten to disconnect power if a customer does not pay right away.
“Scammers have gotten clever, and it will often appear like it’s PG&E on the identification on your cell phone, they will call, and they will say you owe X-amount of dollars it needs to be paid immediately,” Smith said. “By instilling that fear in folks, that is how they are to bilk folks out of their money.”
PG&E says a newer, more alarming scam involves impostors posing as utility workers and showing up at customers’ homes.
“They will actually come door to door and say I’m here from PG&E, you guys are behind on your bill, we didn’t get your payment,” Smith said.
Smith urged customers to trust their instincts if something feels wrong.
“If it feels just uneasy to you, call us and we will help you be able to identify a scam and understand that we are not going to send people to your home and knock on your door and demand immediate payment or the power will be shut off, that’s not how we operate,” he said.
The company emphasized that it will never request payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or third-party apps such as Zelle or Venmo.
“Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve fallen victim to a scam. Let us know and let law enforcement know, the only way we are able to track down these low lifes is if we get that information,” Smith said.
Customers who doubt the legitimacy of any call or visit are encouraged to hang up and contact PG&E directly at 18335007226. Additional information is available on the PG&E and Federal Trade Commission websites.
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