Authorities Warn Edison Customers of Phone Scam

Laguna Beach police are warning Southern California Edison customers to beware of a telephone scam demanding immediate payment for allegedly past-due electricity bills, authorities reported.

In a news release, police said imposters have been calling Edison customers, claiming their electricity bills are past due and a payment must be made through a prepaid cash card, including PayPal or Green Dot card, or else their service will be disconnected.

“We ask our customers to be alert to these calls that demand immediate payment and threaten service disconnection,” Henry Martinez, SCE vice president of Safety, Security & Compliance, said in the news release. “Customers suspecting a fraudulent call 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.”

Authorities also remind customers to ask for identification when a stranger comes to the door or calls claiming to be a utility worker. SCE utility workers will provide verification, including their department and phone number, when asked. Anyone with concerns should have the utility worker wait outside until their identity can be verified, police said.

SCE Tips:

• An SCE employee will never ask for money in person.
• Never reveal your credit card, ATM or calling card numbers (or PIN numbers) to anyone.
• 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.
• 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.
• For more ways customers can stay safe, please see sce.com/safety and read the safety tips section.
  

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