PG&E warns of scams going around Central Coast

PG&E is warning customers of scams that have been going around the Central Coast and have resulted in over $190,000 stolen so far.

The utility company has received over 10,000 reports of scams targeting residential and business customers, with nearly 200 being reported from the Central Coast. There have been 110 scams reported in Monterey County and over 80 reported in Santa Cruz, San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties.

“Scammers seek to create a sense of panic, threatening disconnection of utility services if immediate payment is not made. If a phone call, visit to your home or email doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Hang up, shut the door and do not respond to the email,” said PG&E Cybersecurity Risk Manager Amy Lucido in a news release.

Many customers have been targeted through a call claiming their services will be disconnected if an immediate payment isn’t made through a pre-paid debit card or digital payment. PG&E will never demand payment through sending a single notification before a service interruption, according to the news release.

The average scam victim has lost over $900 and over 200 customers have reported falling victim. The number of victims is likely higher since many scams go unreported.

PG&E is advising customers beware of any threats to disconnect, requests for immediate payment, requests for prepaid cards, offers for refunds and rebates that require personal financial information and scammers pretending they are calling from a PG&E 800 number.

“Remember, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email, nor will we request payment via pre-paid debit cards or other methods of money transfer, including mobile applications,” said Lucido.

There have also been 250 reports of scammers targeting small and medium-sized businesses in 2025. The attempts usually occur during business hours hoping “to catch unsuspecting victims while they are distracted or stressed,” according to the release.

The company is advising customers do the following to protect themselves from scams:

Never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service shutoff. PG&E offers a variety of ways to pay a bill including online, phone and mail-in payments. Asking for a prepaid card  number is a way for scammers to get immediate access to the card’s funds.Customers shouldn’t entertain someone threatening them with immediate disconnection or shutoff without prior notification. If a customer has a delinquent account, PG&E will send an advance disconnection notice by mail and in their monthly bill.Signing up for an online account can help customers keep track of their balance, payment history and other timely alerts. Customers can also call PG&E Customer Service directly at 800-743-5000 for assistance.Anyone who believes they are victims of fraud should reach out to local law enforcement and visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for further information on how to protect themselves.

More information can be found at pge.com/scams.