PG&E warns customers about emerging barcode scam
Customers report more than $211,000 in scam losses this year
– Pacific Gas and Electric Company is warning customers about a new scam involving barcodes and QR codes as reported losses from scams continue to rise.
According to the utility company, customers have reported more than $211,000 in losses to scammers through midyear, putting losses on pace to exceed totals reported in 2025. Victims have lost an average of $969 so far this year.
The most common scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to represent the utility company and demanding immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. In a new variation reported this year, scammers threaten disconnection and then send a barcode or QR code by text message or email. The customer is instructed to take the code to a store or business and present it to a cashier to make a 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.
In 2025, the utility company received nearly 24,000 reports from customers targeted by scammers impersonating PG&E. Customers lost more than $301,000 in fraudulent payments, with an average loss of $590.
By midyear, customers have already reported more than $211,000 in losses to utility scammers. The utility company said that figure would represent nearly a 30% increase in financial losses by year’s end if the trend continues.
The utility company noted that many scams go unreported.
Business customers also remain a target. Scammers often contact businesses during busy operating hours and pressure owners to make immediate payments. Through less than half of the year, PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scam attempts targeting business customers. In 2025, the utility company received 846 reports involving businesses.
PG&E said customers should watch for several warning signs, including threats of immediate disconnection, requests to see a utility bill at a residence, demands for payment through prepaid debit cards or money transfer services such as Zelle, and offers of refunds or rebates that require customers to provide banking information.
The utility company advises customers not to purchase prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection and reminds customers that it accepts payments online, by phone, through automatic bank drafts, by mail, and in person.
Customers who receive threats of immediate service disconnection without prior notification should hang up, delete the email, or close the door. The utility company said customers with delinquent accounts receive advance disconnection notices, typically by mail and included with monthly bills.
PG&E employees carry identification and are prepared to show it upon request. Customers can call (800) 743-5000 to confirm whether an individual is conducting official company business.
The utility company also reminded customers that it will never send a single notification within one hour of a service interruption and will never request payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or digital payment applications such as Zelle or Venmo.
Customers can create an online account at PGE.com to review account balances, payment history, recurring payment options, paperless billing, and account alerts.
PG&E also warned that scammers can make phone numbers appear authentic on caller ID displays. Customers who have concerns about a call should hang up and contact the utility company at 1-833-500-SCAM.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam or feels threatened should contact local law enforcement. Additional information is available at pge.com/scams and consumer.ftc.gov.
