The police department has seen an increase in reports of scammers who prey on utility customers in our community.
In most cases, these scammers pose as Southern California Edison (SCE) or utility "collection" employees who threaten to disconnect electrical service unless a payment is made immediately using a pre-paid cash card or gift cards. In some cases, victims are asked to meet with "SCE employee" at a random location to pay their "bill" in cash or with cash or gift cards.
These are scams! Don't fall victim to them!
SCE will never request payment in the form of a pre-paid cash or gift card!
If you suspect a phone call, email, or personal visit is a scam, remember:
- Never reveal your personal information to anyone, including your SCE Account information, credit card, ATM or calling card number (or PIN number)
- Never use the call-back number provided by an unknown caller to verify billing information. Always use verified phone numbers for SCE or other utilities
- Always ask for the caller’s name, department and business phone number
- If you believe the call is a scam, end the call or interaction and report the incident to the Irwindale Police Department at (626) 430-2244