City Warns Utility Users to Beware of Fraud

The City of Redlands and Southern California Edison are warning area residents and business owners about possible scammers making fraudulent calls to utility users and demanding immediate payment for supposedly past-due electricity bills. The scammers are also threatening utility service disconnection should the payment not be made via prepaid cash or debit cards immediately. The City warned residents via Facebook on Sept. 3 that they had received a tip from a business owner who received a call from an individual claiming to be a representative with Southern California Edison. She was told her bill was past due and that her electricity would be turned off at 5 p.m. if she did not purchase a Green Dot card for a specified amount of money and then call in the number from the card to pay the caller. The woman told City employees that the caller had her meter reading and information from her bill; he was about $10 off of the actual amount of her bill. Suspecting fraud, the business owner called SCE. She was told by the security department that scammers are targeting local residents and businesses, according to the warning issued by the City. “This has been going on for some time,” said SCE representative Nancy Rodriguez Casanova. “In the past couple of months we’ve had more than 500 incidents reported by Southern California Edison customers. About 75 Southern California Edison residential and business customers have been the victim of the scam and they are typically losing between $800 and $1,000,” she said. Green Dot cards are not traceable when they are purchased and no names are attached to it until the card is mailed. Most of the time, home visits by SCE are scheduled by the customer and are confirmed by SCE in writing. Employees of SCE will also never ask for money in person. Edison officials suggest having utility workers wait outside until their identity can be verified, if there are any concerns. Other tips to protect yourself from possible fraud: • Under no circumstances should you reveal your credit card, ATM, calling card numbers, or PIN numbers. • If you receive a call requesting that you leave your home at a specific time for a utility-related cause, contact authorities because this may be a burglary scheme. • Use caution and be suspicious of anyone who arrives at your home without an appointment asking to check an appliance or wiring. If you suspect fraud, immediately hang up and call the police. Then notify SCE at their 24-hour customer service line, 1-800-655-4555.