Scams rise as U.S. tax filing deadline nears, utility warns

SAN FRANCISCO –The deadline to file taxes is quickly approaching and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) warns its customers to protect themselves from an increase in scams involving people posing as PG&E employees.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), scammers take advantage of tax season to fool people into giving up their personal and financial information to file fraudulent tax returns ahead of the April 17 deadline.

This tax season, PG&E customers have reported increased emails or calls from scammers that falsely show PG&E’s phone number (1-800-743-5000) on the caller ID. Some of the recent scams have included:

• Telling customers they are eligible for a federal tax refund and requesting personal information like Social Security.
• Claiming to represent a PG&E initiative so they can sell a product or gain entrance to your home.
• Trying to sell a service such as solar evaluation and requesting personal information.
• “Phishing” emails to PG&E customers asking them to make a payment online or fill out false documents.

In all cases, PG&E actively works with law enforcement to help stop any scam impacting customers. Anyone who has received a call, email or visit from imposters claiming to be PG&E employees can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

PG&E offers the following tips to help protect you from potential scams:

• PG&E’s Credit Department will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. If you gave someone your credit card or checking account information, report it to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement immediately.
• Be cautious if you receive an unexpected email that claims to be from PG&E. Do not click on any links or provide any personal information, and call 1-800-743-5000 instead.
• Always ask for identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside your home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are always willing to show it to you.
• Remember that if you have an appointment with PG&E, you will receive an automated call within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit.

IRS or U.S. Treasury impersonation scams can be reported to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at www.treasury.gov/tigta or 1-800-366-4484.