PG&E Warns Customers About Emerging "Barcode Scam: " Here's What You Should Know
PG&E Warns Customers About Emerging "Barcode Scam:" Here's What You Should Know |
| [15-June-2026] |
Victims of scams have lost an average of $969 so far this year OAKLAND, Calif., June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- So far this year, monetary losses from scams impacting Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers are on track to outpace 2025, with customers losing over $211,000 through mid-year. To help customers spot the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim, PG&E is sharing important tips and is warning customers of an emerging scam that may be playing a part in that surge.
The most common scam continues to involve scammers placing a phone call to PG&E customers with a demand for immediate payment to avoid disconnection. A new wrinkle on that scam has emerged in 2026, where scammers call customers to threaten disconnection, and then send them either a barcode or QR code via text or email. The customer is then instructed to take the barcode or QR code to a store or business to present to a cashier to make payment. "Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to defraud customers, and the latest 'barcode scam' is a prime example of that. What hasn't changed is that they are still demanding immediate payment of your bill to avoid disconnection. If you receive a call of this nature, hang up. If someone at your door asks to see your utility bill, close the door. Then, call our 800 number or log into your account at PGE.com to verify your billing details," said PG&E lead scam investigator Matt Foley. "Remember, PG&E will never ask you for financial information over the phone or for payment via bar code, QR code or pre-paid debit cards or money transfer services like Zelle, and we won't ask to see your bill at your door," he said. By the Numbers
Unfortunately, that number is likely just the tip of the iceberg for overall scams, as many go unreported. Small- and medium-sized businesses are also a target, and scammers focus their efforts during busy business hours, preying on business owners' sense of urgency to keep the doors open and the lights on. In 2026, in less than half a year, PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scam attempts targeting business customers. That's on pace to easily surpass 2025, which saw 846 reports of scammers targeting businesses. Signs of a potential scam
How customers can protect themselves Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person. If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill. If someone comes to your door claiming to be with PG&E, customers should know that PG&E personnel carry identification and are always prepared to show it upon request. If a customer still has doubts, they can call 800-743-5000 to confirm whether an individual is there on official company business. And remember, if someone asks to see your bill, they are not with PG&E and you should close the door. As a reminder, PG&E will never send a single notification to a customer within one hour of a service interruption, and we will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment mobile applications like Zelle or Venmo. Signing up for an online account at PGE.com is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts. Scammers Impersonating Trusted Phone Numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don't lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911. Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission's website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information. For more information about scams, visit pge.com/scams or consumer.ftc.gov. About PG&E
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company | ||
Company Codes: NYSE:PCG |
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