A utility scam aimed at Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers is circulating in California.
Scammers call customers to tell them a shutoff is imminent, and people are then directed to make an immediate payment using a barcode or QR code. PG&E said customers have lost more than $211,000 to the scheme so far this year.
What’s happening?
The payment step happens at a retailer, according to The Press Democrat. After a caller warns that utility service is about to be disconnected, the customer receives a barcode or QR code and is told to have it scanned by a cashier at a store.
Some 144 customers in Sonoma County and 21 in Napa County have reported being targeted so far in 2026…