National Consumer Protection Week: PG&E Partners with the FTC to Help Customers Recognize and Avoid Utility Scams

Core Insights - In 2024, PG&E customers lost nearly 650,000 to utility scammers, with over 26,000 reports of scam attempts received by the company [1][2] - PG&E is collaborating with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to raise awareness and help customers avoid scams during National Consumer Protection Week from March 2-8, 2025 [1] Scam Statistics - Customers reported losing 646,000 in fraudulent payments during 2024, with a significant number of scams likely going unreported [2] - In January 2025 alone, PG&E received over 1,700 reports of attempted scams, resulting in nearly $22,000 lost by customers [2] Scam Tactics - Scammers create a sense of urgency by threatening immediate disconnection of utility services if payment is not made [3][4] - PG&E emphasizes that they will never request financial information over the phone or demand payment via pre-paid debit cards or money transfer services [3][4] Target Audience - Small and medium-sized businesses are also targeted, with over 1,200 reports of scam attempts received in 2024 [5] - Scammers often exploit busy business hours, preying on the urgency of business owners [5] Customer Protection Measures - Customers are advised to never purchase prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection, as PG&E offers various payment methods [5] - Signing up for an online account at pge.com allows customers to check balances, payment history, and set up alerts [7] Identifying Scams - Scammers may impersonate trusted phone numbers and create fake utility bill-pay websites [8][10] - Common scam tactics include aggressive demands for immediate payment, requests for prepaid card numbers, and false refund or rebate offers [9] Reporting and Resources - Customers who suspect fraud or feel threatened should contact local law enforcement and can find additional information on the FTC's website [11]