Crime & Safety

Sheriff's Department Warns of Utilities Bill Phone Scam

Suspects demand immediate bill payment and threaten to disconnect service.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday warned county residents about a scam involving Southern California Edison customers.

People posing as SCE representatives have been calling Edison customers and demanding immediate payment on past due bills to avoid having their electric service disconnected. The callers also demand the payment be made via services such as PayPal or GreenDot cards.

Customers from throughout Southern California have reported receiving these types of calls and the primary targets have been minority-owned small businesses, the sheriff's department said.

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Henry Martinez, SCE vice president of safety, security and compliance said customers receiving such calls should ask for the caller's name, department and business phone number.

"If the caller refuses to provide this information, customers should terminate the call and report the incident immediately to local police or SCE at 800-655-4555," Martinez said.

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Customers should ask for identification when a stranger comes to the door or calls claiming to be a utility worker as well, SCE said.

In most cases, home visits by SCE are scheduled by the customer and SCE will confirm the appointment in writing. If there are any concerns, SCE and law enforcement officials suggest having the utility worker wait outside until their identity can be verified.

The company noted SCE employees will never ask for money in person.

If someone calls and requests you leave your residence at a specific time for a utility-related cause, call the police. This could be a burglary set up by the caller.

As well, Edison warns customers to be suspicious of anyone who arrives at your house without an appointment asking to check an appliance, wiring, or suggesting that there may be some other electrical problem inside your residence.

More customer safety tips are available on the SCE website.


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