Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is issuing an important reminder to its customers to remain vigilant against scams that are becoming increasingly prevalent. These scams range from impersonators showing up at customers’ homes to sophisticated online frauds. The company encourages everyone to question anyone claiming to be a SoCalGas representative and to take specific steps to verify their authenticity.
For in-person interactions, it is crucial to know that SoCalGas typically visits customers’ homes only in response to specific service requests. If a customer has not requested any service, they should call SoCalGas before allowing anyone inside. Occasionally, the company does conduct maintenance or safety inspections that require access to customer properties. In these cases, employees will be in uniform, driving a company vehicle, and carrying a SoCalGas photo ID badge.
Customers are always advised to ask to see this badge and to contact SoCalGas directly at 1-800-427-2200 or 1-800-342-4545 for Spanish-language service to verify the representative’s identity. Importantly, SoCalGas employees will never ask for payments during home visits.
Additionally, SoCalGas collaborates with authorized contractors for the Energy Savings Assistance Program. These contractors must also present a valid photo ID badge. If customers have any concerns about a contractor’s identity, they should call 1-800-331-7593 to speak with a SoCalGas representative, who can verify the contractor’s legitimacy and answer any general questions.
Beyond in-person scams, online search engine scams are also a growing concern. Customers seeking to pay their utility bills online may encounter unofficial SoCalGas websites or unofficial partner sites that appear at the top of search results. These fake websites are designed to mislead customers into providing personal and payment information, which is then stolen by scammers.
To avoid falling victim to these online scams, customers should rely on the official SoCalGas “Ways to Pay” webpage or their printed bill for payment instructions. Additionally, saving the company’s contact information in a cell phone or keeping it near the phone can help ensure customers are using the correct contact details. Customers should remember that SoCalGas will never request credit card or banking information over the phone.
SoCalGas is dedicated to the safety and security of its customers and employees. The company is actively working to educate the public on how to recognize and avoid scams. For more detailed information on how to protect oneself from these fraudulent activities, customers are encouraged to visit the SoCalGas Scam Alert webpage at socalgas.com/ScamAlert.
In summary, whether it is someone at your door or an online interaction, vigilance is key. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent SoCalGas and use official channels for any transactions. By staying informed and cautious, customers can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. SoCalGas remains committed to supporting its community and ensuring a safe and reliable service experience for all.
