SAN DIEGO–SDG&E is continuing to alert customers to be aware of an ongoing wire fraud that has been targeting SDG&E residential and business customers. Reports indicate that individuals are misrepresenting themselves as utility employees by calling customers and threatening to turn off electric and gas service if an immediate payment is not made.
Customers are instructed to purchase a pre-pay credit card, and are directed to another phone number where information is then obtained from the card and the cash value is then removed.
SDG&E wants to warn customers of this fraud in an effort to prevent them from becoming potential victims. The company assures customers that SDG&E does not proactively contact them and ask for credit card information over the phone.
SDG&E customers should not provide any financial information by phone unless they have initiated the conversation. If any customers receives a phone call that makes them feel uncomfortable, and they know they have an outstanding balance that needs to be resolved, they should hang up and call SDG&E directly at 1-800-411-7343.
Here are some additional key messages:
- SDG&E does not proactively contact customers to ask for credit card information over the phone.
- SDG&E always provides past due notices in writing before service is shut-off for non- payment.
- If customers receive a phone call that makes them feel uncomfortable, and they know they have an outstanding balance that needs to be resolved, they should hang up and call SDG&E directly at 1-800-411-7343.
- Customers should not provide financial information by telephone unless they call SDG&E directly.
- It’s important to report this type of fraudulent activity to SDG&E by calling 1-800-411- 7343.
- Customers should not be afraid to call SDG&E if they have an outstanding balance.
Customer service agents are trained to work with customers to arrange for a payment plan or other payment process and cannot authorize a shut-off without proper written notification
