Social media is alight with videos of aggressive solicitors claiming to be with power companies, and Southern California Edison has issued a new warning about potential power bill scams.
SCE says that scammers are particularly targeting the elderly, non-native English speakers and small businesses.
Z107.7 has tracked an uptick in door-to-door solicitors claiming to be from SCE or smaller power or solar companies. Even legitimate power companies use aggressive and even sometimes misleading tactics to get your information or sign you up for services you may not need.
I’ve personally encountered solicitors claiming to be from my solar company, but who were unable to provide the name of company that installed and services my solar panels.
If someone shows up at your door claiming to be from one of your utilities or your solar provider, it’s always a good idea to ask for identification. Check their vehicles for logos that match the company they say the represent.
Never give money to anyone who shows up at your door.
SCE has also issued a warning about fraudulent telephone calls. The calls involve a caller posing as an SCE representative, threatening the customer with disconnection and the removal of their electric meter unless they make an immediate payment. SCE says they never ask for payments over the phone or calls customers about an immediate service disconnection.
Whenever it comes to utilities, always take a moment to double check your information and make sure you’re giving your money and information to the correct operation.
