SDG&E: End the Call. End the Scam.
Did you know that over 800 utility scams were reported to SDG&E over the past two years with losses totaling more than half a million dollars?! The number of scams has increased since the pandemic started. Scammers impersonate SDG&E employees and target vulnerable SDG&E customers facing financial difficulties and take advantage of their reliance on essential services.
Here are some tips on how to recognize common scam tactics:
Scammers often threaten immediate service disconnections if a customer does not pay immediately. SDG&E will never contact customers to tell them they must pay now or risk immediate disconnection. The company works with customers on payment plans if they are struggling to pay past due balances and offers a variety of assistance programs. Visit sdge.com/assistance to learn more about these programs.
Scammers often demand payment with cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin), prepaid cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak), or via third-party payment apps like Venmo or Zelle. SDG&E does not use these payments methods. SDG&E customers may receive communications to pay their bill online via their MyAccount at myaccount.sdge.com or the Billmatrix system or to call their automated pay-by-phone option at 1-800-411-7343.
You can guard against fraud using these tips:
Only provide financial information over the phone if you made the call.
Make sure whoever is on the other line can verify they are with SDG&E or can verify your account information. If you are unsure, hang up and contact SDG&E directly.
Every SDG&E employee on company business is required to carry a photo ID badge. If you encounter someone claiming to be an SDG&E employee, request to see his/her ID badge or call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343.
If you want to verify information about your account, including bills and payments, log in to your MyAccount portal at myaccount.sdge.com or use the convenient SDG&E mobile app. Learn more about the app at sdge.com/mobileapp.
Victims of utility scams are urged to call SDG&E immediately at 1-800-411-7343 to report it. Additional tips to avoid becoming a victim of utility scams can be found at sdge.com/avoid-scams.
