Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of a scam that has impacted other utility customers across the nation. The scam, reported to be perpetrated in person and through social media, fliers and text messages, claims that President Barack Obama is providing a credit or directly paying utility bills. In some cases, customers have been asked for Social Security numbers to apply payments to customers’ utility bills, presenting an identity-theft risk.

PG&E customers are being reminded that the company’s representatives would never ask for personal or banking information over the phone. PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from scams:

• Customers should always ask to see identification before allowing inside their home anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative. PG&E employees always carry their ID and are always willing to show it to you.

• If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee shows ID and you still feel uncomfortable, call PG&E’s customer service line at 800-PGE-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community. If you feel threatened in any way, you should notify local law enforcement immediately.

• Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated callback within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit.

• PG&E’s Credit Department will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who has received such a phone call and provided credit card or checking account information should report it immediately to the credit card company or bank – and law enforcement.

• Customers concerned about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, a service request or a request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 800-PGE-5000.

PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam impacting customers. Those who have received a potential scam call or visit can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 800-PGE-5000.

Customers seeking financial assistance can visit www.pge.com/financialassistance to sign up for payment plans and participate in programs that help them pay their bills.