Consumer Alert
Californians should be aware of fraudulent activity by individuals seeking to take advantage of people's heightened economic anxiety as the Coronavirus continues to spread. Individuals posing as representatives from utility companies are contacting people by telephone, email, social media, and text message to defraud people out of their money and personal information by convincing them their utilities will be shut off if they don’t pay.
If you get a call from someone claiming to be your utility company, firmly tell them you will contact the utility company directly, and do not give banking information over the phone unless you place the call to a number you know is legitimate. Utility companies don’t demand banking information by email or phone. And they won’t force you to pay by phone as your only option.
If you are made aware of or receive any communication, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your reports help the FTC and our law enforcement partners stop scammers.
For more information, please visit: FTC's Consumer Information Site