Overview
- PG&E has alerted customers that scammers start with a threatening phone call and then send a barcode or QR code by text or email that victims are told to present at a retail register to pay.
- The utility says customers have lost more than $211,000 so far in 2026 and that the average loss per victim this year is $969, putting losses on pace to exceed 2025 totals.
- Reports are concentrated in Bay Area counties, with PG&E listing high complaint counts in Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa and San Francisco and noting businesses are also being targeted during busy hours.
- PG&E advises customers to hang up on threat calls, never pay with barcodes, prepaid cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency or third-party apps, and to verify any visit or payment request by calling PG&E or checking pge.com.
- Investigators warn scammers can spoof legitimate 800 numbers to appear credible, and officials say higher bills and urgent tactics increase victims’ risk while urging reporting to PG&E, local police or the FTC.