Today marks National Utility Scam Awareness Day, a nationwide initiative to protect customers from increasingly sophisticated utility-oriented scams. For SDG&E customers, this is a timely reminder: scammers are increasingly posing as utility representatives and using new tactics to trick people into paying fake bills.

What’s Happening?

Fraudsters often call or text claiming your SDG&E bill is overdue and threatening to disconnect service within 30 minutes unless payment is made. A recent scam involves sending customers a fake QR code, instructing them to pay at convenience stores like CVS or Walmart using Green Dot cards. Victims are told not to inform the cashier that the payment is for a utility bill. Scammers may even mimic SDG&E branding, use hold music, and provide fake 1-800 numbers to appear legitimate.

Key Warning Signs:

• Urgent demands for immediate payment to avoid disconnection.
• Requests for non-traditional payment methods such as QR codes, Bitcoin, Zelle, or prepaid debit cards.
• Caller ID spoofing and fake recorded greetings.

Who’s at Risk?

Small business owners, restaurant operators, older adults and limited-English speakers are frequently targeted – especially during busy hours when they may feel pressured to act quickly.

What You Should Know:

• SDG&E will never call or text demanding immediate payment.
• SDG&E does not accept payments via Bitcoin, Zelle, or Green Dot.
• In-person payments can only be made at Authorized Payment Locations.
• When in doubt, hang up and call SDG&E directly at 1-800-411-7343 (or 1-800-311-7343 for Spanish).

How to Protect Yourself:

•    Never provide payment or personal information to unsolicited callers.
•    Never use callback numbers provided in suspicious messages.
•    Always verify your account status at sdge.com/myenergycenter.

If you suspect a scam, hang up and call SDG&E at1-800-411-7343. For more information, visit sdge.com/scams.