What’s the best defense against utility scammers attempting to cheat you out of your hard-earned cash? Staying informed. With Utility Scam Awareness Day on Nov. 19, now’s the perfect time to learn how to spot and outsmart impostors.
Between January and October, fraudsters took more than $96,000 from Southern California Edison customers. While that’s a 62% reduction compared to the same period last year, scam attempts have not slowed — residential customers reported 954 incidents and business customers reported 466 instances this year alone.
Listen to this real-life scammer, caught on recording by SCE's customer service team, trying to pressure a customer into sending money.
Scammers continue to target small businesses, with restaurants, beauty and nail salons, auto repair shops, dental offices, churches and retail businesses frequently impacted. By threatening immediate disconnection, fraudsters prey on local businesses worried about losing patrons.
"Stay alert, and don't be afraid to question anything that doesn't feel right. Verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be an SCE representative by calling customer service," said Peggy, an SCE Information Governance representative. “A little caution goes a long way in keeping yourself or your business safe from fraud."
Despite persistent scheming, there are ways you can flag scam tactics.
Verify all communications: Be wary of phone calls, messages or emails impersonating SCE. If you receive a call and feel unsure you’re speaking with a legitimate SCE representative, hang up and call customer service at 800-655-4555. If it’s a scam, report it.
Beware of urgency: Watch out for scams appearing in text messages or from unfamiliar phone numbers, urging you to act immediately. Scammers apply pressure by claiming your service will be shut off. Take a pause and remember: SCE will never demand immediate payment.
Safe payment methods: SCE will never request payment in the form of a gift card, prepaid card, prepaid store barcode, cryptocurrency or third-party payment app. You can safely make payments using five approved methods, including paying online at sce.com, with a digital card or wallet, by phone or mail, or in person.
Stay informed on the latest fraud tactics by visiting sce.com/scamalert.
