New Payment Scam Targets Southern California Edison Customers

The Fullerton Police Department is cautioning Southern California Edison customers to be aware of a new scam that involves callers posing as SCE employees and demanding immediate payment for allegedly past-due bills. The callers threaten that if payment is not made immediately, customers risk having their electric service disconnected. The callers have demanded that payment be made through a prepaid cash card, PayPal or Green Dot cards.

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 the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6700 or SCE at (800) 655-4555.

As of July 23, 2013, two businesses in Fullerton have been victims of this scam, in each case, paying $1000 dollars, but SCE reports that losses in the service region that includes Fullerton are approaching close to $200,000 dollars.

Southern California Edison and the Fullerton Police Department would like to remind customers:

• 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.
• SCE employees will never request that you leave your residence at a specific time for a utility-related cause. If you receive a request like this, call the Fullerton Police Department, as this could be a set up for a burglary.
• Generally, SCE employees will never show up at your residence without an appointment. Be suspicious of anyone who shows up, asking to check an appliance or suggesting that there may be some other electrical problem inside your residence.
• SCE employees and their contractors carry identification and will provide it upon request, including their department and phone number, when asked.

The Fullerton Police Department also reminds residents to ask for identification in the event that a stranger comes to the door or calls, claiming to be a utility worker. In most cases, home visits by utility workers are pre-scheduled by the customer and appointments are typically confirmed prior to the visit. If there are ever any concerns about the validity of the visit, have the utility worker wait outside until their identity can be verified.

Southern California Edison provides residents with safety tips and advice at their website, in the safety tips section at www.sce.com/safety.