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SCSO Warns of Telephone Scam

telephone Morguefile

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of possible telephone scams. There have been several reports of citizens, specifically in the Shasta Lake area, receiving telephone calls from PG&E. The calls show ‘PG&E’ on the caller ID and include the toll free number 1-800-743-500. The callers tell customers that they owe past-due balances or are eligible for a federal tax refund. PG&E is not making these calls. PG&E officials say they never ask for your financial information over the phone. False financial requests like this should be treated as scams.

The following are tips from PG&E to help protect you from potential scams:

  • Safeguard your personal information and credit card numbers by avoiding giving the information out over the phone. If you gave someone your credit card or checking account information over the phone, report it to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.

  • Beware of emails requesting your personal information. PG&E takes your security very seriously. We do not email anyone requesting that they provide personal information without first logging into your online PG&E account or calling us.

  • Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 if you’re concerned about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request or request for personal information

  • Ask to see identification before letting anyone who claims to be a PG&E representative inside your home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are always willing to show it to you.

  • Call the PG&E Customer Service line at 1-800-743-5000 if a person claiming to be an employee shows identification and you still feel uncomfortable. We will verify an appointment and/or the presence of PG&E in the community. If you still feel threatened, notify local law enforcement.

  • Expect to receive an automated call from PG&E 48 hours before a scheduled visit. You may also receive a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative before a scheduled visit.

  • Learn more about protecting your home or business. Visit www.PGE.com.

Press Release

-from press release

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