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PG&E is warning customers about a surge in scams after fraudsters stole more than $211,000 from customers in the first half of the year using fake QR codes and threats to disconnect service.
The utility giant said customers are on pace to lose roughly 30% more money to scammers in 2026 than they did last year as criminals become increasingly sophisticated in impersonating employees.
The scammers typically contact customers by phone, text message or email, falsely claiming their utility bill is overdue and threatening to shut off electricity or gas service unless immediate payment is made.
During the call, victims are sent a fraudulent QR code and instructed to scan it and make a payment at a local cashier or retail store. The money is then transferred directly to the scammers instead of PG&E.
The utility issued the warning on Sunday after seeing a sharp increase in financial losses among its customers, according to KSBY News.
So far this year, scammers have stolen more than $211,000 from PG&E customers.
The average victim has lost about $969, a significant jump from the average loss of $590 reported in 2025.
While the scam has been reported throughout PG&E’s service territory, officials said there have been at least nine reported cases in Santa Barbara County and three in San Luis Obispo County so far this year.
Scammers prey on fear and urgency, according to Matt Foley, PG&E’s lead scam investigator.
He urged customers to immediately hang up on anyone demanding instant payment under the threat of service disconnection.
Instead, Foley advised customers to independently verify their account by logging into the official PG&E website or contacting the utility directly through its customer service number.
PG&E stressed that customers should also be wary of anyone requesting payment through prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, digital payment apps or other unusual payment methods.
Instead, Foley advised customers to independently verify their account by logging into the official PG&E website or contacting the utility directly through its customer service number.
The utility company also warned consumers to be suspicious of people showing up at their front door asking to inspect a utility bill or claiming customers are owed unexpected rebates or refunds.
The latest warning comes as many Californians are already under financial strain from rising utility costs.
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Last week, a watchdog with the California Public Utilities Commission projected PG&E customers could see annual gas and electricity bills rise by as much as $840 by 2030.