PG&E Warns of Utility Scams Hitting Mother Lode

Scammers cost utility customers over $300,000 last year, with a surge in Sonora residents targeted.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is warning customers about a surge in utility scams, particularly in the Sonora area, where over a dozen customers reported incidents last year. The scammers are using new tactics, such as impersonating utility workers and demanding to see customers' bills. PG&E emphasizes that they will never ask for financial information over the phone or request payment via prepaid debit cards or money transfer services.

Why it matters

Utility scams can be costly for customers, with PG&E reporting around $301,000 in fraudulent payments in 2025. The new tactics used by scammers, such as knocking on doors, suggest they are adapting their approaches to target more victims. This highlights the need for continued consumer education to help people spot and avoid these scams.

The details

In recent months, PG&E has reported a surge in Sonora customers, 19 in all, reporting utility staff impostors knocking on their doors and demanding to view their PG&E bills. This is a twist on the more common phone-based scam where scammers call customers and demand urgent payment to prevent disconnection. PG&E warns that this new approach suggests scammers are using new tactics to target victims.

  • In 2025, PG&E received about 24,000 reports from consumers who had been targeted by scammers, resulting in approximately $301,000 in fraudulent payments.
  • Last year, over a dozen Sonora customers were targeted by scammers using a twist on an old favorite fraud.

The players

PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a utility company serving customers in Northern and Central California.

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 (mymotherlode.com)

“Remember, PG&E will never ask you for financial information over the phone or for payment via prepaid 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 (mymotherlode.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the evolving tactics used by utility scammers, who are now targeting customers in person as well as over the phone. It underscores the importance of consumer awareness and vigilance to avoid falling victim to these costly frauds, which can result in significant financial losses for unsuspecting customers.