If scammers could take a summer vacation, we’d all be the better for it. But we don’t have to let them ruin ours. By staying informed and vigilant, Southern California Edison customers can protect themselves and stay one step ahead.
SCE tracks trending scams and has flagged two recent scenarios that customers should watch out for.
“Fraudsters can be aggressive and are so convincing,” said Peggy, an SCE Information Governance representative. “They make the payment problem sound real, and people panic. The sense of urgency they create is a red flag.”
Scam #1: The barcode scam
Scammers posing as SCE disconnection agents pressure customers with threats of imminent power disconnection, claiming they have an unpaid bill. Then they text them a prepaid store barcode — lately for Walmart, but also 7-Eleven, CVS or Walgreens — directing them to pay in cash, by debit, Bitcoin or prepaid cards.
Customers are told not to reveal the payment is for a utility bill or risk extra charges, and scammers often stay on the line to maintain pressure. Sometimes they will claim the barcode “failed” and another is sent, draining even more funds. Once loaded, scammers instantly withdraw the money using the barcode or prepaid card. A dozen SCE customers have already lost over $45,000 collectively to this deception this year.
What you need to know:
- Customers at risk of disconnection will receive a notification prior to interruption of service
- Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a hasty decision. SCE will give ample notice before a disconnection.
- If you receive a suspicious call, ask for a callback number and report the fraud to SCE using this form on the scam alert page.
- SCE is working with Walmart and other stores to help their employees recognize the signs of a scam.
Scam #2: Fake SCE website
This new scam uses a fake website posing as SCE’s website, targeting customers trying to pay their bill online.
What you need to know:
- Always check for secure connections (https://). When web searching, never click on the “sponsored” website, always use a trusted SCE website.
- Make sure the domain name is the legitimate URL: sce.com/billpay.
Regularly update yourself on other common fraud schemes and how to avoid them. There are five authorized ways to make secure payments through sce.com.
For more information on how to avoid scams: sce.com/scamalert.
