California PG&E customers warned about utility scam spike in 2026

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.

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.

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.

The Public Advocates Office estimated the typical household could face another 24.5% increase over the next four years, pushing annual energy costs even higher after bills have already climbed 84% since 2016.

The forecast sparked outrage among customers, many of whom told The California Post they were already struggling with monthly bills running into the hundreds of dollars despite making efforts to reduce their energy use.

PG&E has disputed those projections, arguing the watchdog’s analysis failed to account for expiring wildfire-related costs and the company’s efforts to keep future rate increases lower than forecast.

With utility costs already placing pressure on household budgets, PG&E said scammers are exploiting customers’ fears of having their electricity or gas shut off.

The company reminded customers that anyone receiving a suspicious call, email or text demanding immediate payment should end the conversation and verify their account using PG&E’s official website or customer service channels before sending any money.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters