PG&E Warns Of Scam Activity Increase In Burlingame

BURLINGAME, CA — As the holiday season approaches, PG&E is warning of an increase in scam activity in Burlingame.

Overall, the number of scam attempts reported to PG&E increased by 65 percent in September and October compared to the previous two months.

PG&E said in a news release that it believes the number is only the “tip of the iceberg” because of the number of scams that are unreported. The scammers are attempting to trick people into giving them personal information.

“All of us have to continue to evolve our safeguards and approaches to keeping our customers safe,” said Chris Zenner, the vice president for residential services and digital channels, in a news release. “If an email, visit to your home or phone call doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Delete it, shut the door or hang up. And, as a reminder, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email.”

PG&E warned that scammers often ramp up their fraud attempts during the holiday season, taking advantage of consumers’ increased online presence.

PG&E noted the following signs of a potential scam:

• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.
• Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.
• Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds.
• Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate.