Authorities Warn Southern California on Utility Scam

Southern California Edison (SCE) has warned its customers in Southern California against a utility scam in which scammers call customers to demand payment for a supposedly overdue electricity bills.

SCE’s Henry Martinez said the caller demand that the customer pay the due bill through PayPal or Green Dot card if they want the electricity service to continue.

Martinez said, “We ask our customers to be alert to these calls that demand immediate payment and threaten service disconnection. Customers suspecting a fraudulent call should ask for the caller’s name, department and business phone number.”

He advised SCE customers to immediately hang up the phone and contact the local police or the SCE at (800) 655-4555 after receiving such calls.

Martinez added that customers should also demand for proper identification if someone knocks on their door and representing themselves as utility workers to collect over due bills. Customers should also ask for their department and phone number.

He reminded customers that SCE always schedule any visits from their representative and this is always accompanied by a written appointment. Martize said SCE employee will never ask for money.