PG&E Warns Customers to Beware Utility Scams During National Consumer Protection Week

Utility company sees nearly 24,000 scam reports in 2025, with customers losing $301,000 in fraudulent payments.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining the Federal Trade Commission in recognizing National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8, to educate customers on how to spot the signs of utility scams and avoid falling victim. In 2025, PG&E received nearly 24,000 reports from customers who were targeted by scammers impersonating the company, with customers losing approximately $301,000 in fraudulent payments.

Why it matters

Utility scams continue to be a major issue, with scammers using aggressive tactics like threatening disconnection and asking to see customers' bills to try and steal money. PG&E is working to raise awareness and help protect its customers from these predatory practices.

The details

The most common scam involves scammers calling customers by phone and demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection. There has also been an increase in reports of utility imposters coming to customers' doors and asking to see their PG&E bill. Scammers may also instruct customers to purchase prepaid debit cards or use money transfer services like Zelle to make payments. Small and medium-sized businesses are also frequently targeted, with scammers focusing their efforts during busy business hours.

  • In 2025, PG&E received nearly 24,000 reports from customers who were targeted by scammers.
  • During 2025, PG&E received nearly 850 reports of scam attempts targeting business customers.

The players

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

A major utility company serving customers in Northern and Central California.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The federal agency responsible for consumer protection and the prevention of anticompetitive business practices.

Matt Foley

The lead scam investigator for PG&E.

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What they’re saying

“If you receive a phone call threatening disconnection if you do not make immediate payment, or if someone at your door asks to see your utility bill, hang up, close the door and slam the scam. Then, call our 800 number or log into your account at PGE.com to verify your billing details.”

— Matt Foley, Lead scam investigator, PG&E (yubanet.com)

“Remember, PG&E will never ask you for financial information over the phone or for payment via pre-paid debit cards or money transfer services like Zelle, and we won't ask to see your bill at your door.”

— Matt Foley, Lead scam investigator, PG&E (yubanet.com)

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the ongoing threat of utility scams and the importance for customers to be vigilant in protecting themselves. By educating customers on the common tactics used by scammers, PG&E is empowering its community to recognize and avoid these predatory practices.