Scam Alert: Fake Utility Workers

 

Important Numbers to Call


To Verify Employment:

SoCalGas:
800-427-2200 or
(800-342-4545 in Spanish)

Southern California Edison:
800-990-7788
(for business customers) or
800-655-4555
(for residential customers)

City of Santa Ana Personnel Service:
714-647-5340
(Monday through Friday
8 am – 5 pm)

To Report Scams:
Santa Ana Police Department:
714-834-4222

Emergencies: 9-1-1

One of the latest scams hitting residents all over the Southland are burglary suspects posing as utility workers to gain access to homes. They may say they’re checking on an electrical shortage or a water or gas leak. Some may tell you your account is past due and payment is required immediately to avoid disconnection. And others may claim to be selling products or services from the utility company.

There are several facts you should keep in mind. First, most visits by utility workers are regularly scheduled or requested by you the customer. Second, you will be notified several times in writing before any services would be disconnected. Third, no utility employee would demand cash, a check or credit card for payment of services or ever ask to use your telephone. And last, never reveal your credit card or personal identification to anyone, especially over the phone.

  1. Be suspicious if someone shows up without an appointment asking to check appliances or wiring, or suggesting other electrical, gas and water problems in your home or on your property.
  2. Be leery of distractive actions or moves, like pretending to answer the phone or creating a sense of urgency to rush into your home.
  3. Ask questions about the nature of the work and why the problem is inside the house or in the yard. 
  4. Verify the following before allowing anyone entry:
    • Check the person is wearing a uniform with a company logo and is driving a company vehicle.
    • Insist they show you a photo identification (ID) and make sure that the person on the ID matches the one at the door. If you are not shown proper identification, shut your door and immediately call 911.
    • Confirm employment and the work to be done by calling the utility’s main office.
  5. If you feel uneasy about verifying, request that they come back after you have made some calls.
  6. Be cautious and report any suspicious behavior or scams to the Santa Ana Police Department.

By working together to alert the community, we can reduce the number of these incidents in our community and make Santa Ana a safer place to live.