Utility Bill Scam Calls for Public Awareness

Local residents are being warned about an apparent utility scam attempt. Residents have reported scam phone calls from individuals claiming to call from Southern California Edison. The callers tell residents they are two months delinquent on their Edison bills and that Edison will disconnect the residents' electricity in 30 minutes and turned off for approximately two weeks. The solution, the caller says, is to pay over the telephone with the purchase of a $500 prepaid debit card immediately. The customer rushes to the nearest convenience store, buys the card and gives the caller the security number on the back to pay the bill. In less than five minutes, the customer has unknowingly been ripped off for $500. Since news of this bill scam first surfaced about eight months ago, Southern California Edison (SCE) continues to wage an ongoing fight against fraudulent callers who, authorities say, have become more aggressive and sophisticated when preying on customers. Since December 2012, more than 8,000 customers have been targeted in SCE's service territory. Of that number, between 800 and 900 customers have lost an average of $1,000 to $2,000, others more than $3,000. Statistics show more than $250,000 in losses to SCE customers. Authorities say the newest scam involves "double-dipping" and "triple-dipping." Scam victims are called the day after they've paid imposters and told their transaction didn't go through and to resend the money a second or third time. "Scammers know there's a good opportunity to collect money without going through a lot of hassles," said Chico. "Customers fear if they don't pay they could lose their business and they don't know SCE procedures." SCE is urging its customers to stay vigilant about suspicious telephone calls requesting personal information and demanding payments, and learn how to guard against becoming a victim. The best weapon against scams is education. These following tips can help SCE customers protect themselves; • Phone numbers. Phone scammers often use "off" phone numbers like 888 or different number combinations. SCE uses 800 numbers for any customer contacts. • Extension numbers. Imposters use extension numbers to make themselves appear more legitimate. SCE does not use extension numbers. • Threats. SCE does not threaten customers with service shut-off for two weeks. • Reloaded Debit Cards. SCE does not accept Green Dot or Vanilla reload debit cards. • Weekends/Holidays. SCE does not call customers on weekends or during holidays. "Southern California Edison will never call and demand immediate payment," said Marlyn Denter, manager of SCE Consumer Affairs. "We're in the business of keeping lights on, not putting our customers out of business by threatening them with disconnection. We're here to help 24/7." Customers are urged to call SCE's Customer Service Center at 800-655-4555 and report a suspicious call, verify information and get answers to collection questions. The center is serviced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most importantly, never give out personal information over the telephone.