SDG&E Warns Customers About SDG&E Imposter

SDG&E shares tips on how to properly identify utility employees

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Mar 13, 2015, 12:10 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of a person or persons who have recently posed as utility employees asking to enter a customer's home. It has been reported that the imposter will distract unsuspecting customers while performing "routine inspections," while another imposter burglarizes the home.

SDG&E wants to assure all customers that SDG&E employees carry proper identification when called out to any job and is warning customers to verify the employee is wearing the proper uniform and identification badge before letting anyone in their home. If you are suspicious, please call SDG&E at 800-411-7343 to ensure that work is currently being conducted in your area.

Customer safety is a top priority and SDG&E is working to make sure customers are equipped with the tips to help them properly identify a SDG&E employee or contractor at any time.

Here are some tips to help customers identify a SDG&E employee:

Make sure that everyone in question is wearing a SDG&E-marked uniform.
Ask any SDG&E employee to display a company identification card.
Ensure that they have arrived in a SDG&E-marked company vehicle.
Never leave the house if asked; SDG&E does not ask customers to leave your house unattended.
Note: SDG&E often hires contractors to complete smart meter work or provide information on energy efficiency programs; however contractors will never ask customers to leave their home for any reason and also carry proper identification.
If you have not called to request service or are not expecting a visit from SDG&E, please make sure proper identification is requested.
If you are suspicious, please call SDG&E at 800-411-7343 to ensure that work is currently being conducted in your area.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind should you receive a phone call from someone posing as a SDG&E representative. Although there have not been recent reports of this fraudulent activity, SDG&E wants to alert individuals and businesses of this type of fraud through all communications channels, including direct mailers, in an effort to prevent them from becoming potential victims.
SDG&E does not proactively contact customers and ask for credit card information over the phone.
SDG&E customers should not provide any financial information by phone unless they have initiated the conversation. SDG&E provides past due notices in writing before service is shut-off for non-payment.
If customers receive a phone call that makes them feel uncomfortable, and they know they have an outstanding balance that needs to be resolved, they should hang up and call SDG&E directly at 800-411-7343.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 868,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at 800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)