SDG&E Warns Customers About SDG&E Imposter

SDG&E Shares Tips on how to Properly Identify Utility Employees

SAN DIEGO, February 24, 2012 – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of a person or persons who have recently posed as a SDG&E employee and asked 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 all SDG&E employees carry the proper identification when called out to any job and is warning customers to ensure they verify the employee’s proper uniform and identification before letting anyone in your home.

Customer safety is a top priority and SDG&E will be working with local law enforcement to ensure 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 provides information on energy efficiency programs; however contractors will never ask customers to leave their home for any reason.
• 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 1-800-411-7343 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 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 1-800-411-7343.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.6 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 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.