The cities of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena warned residents about an ongoing utility scam that has claimed victims in all three cities. In a recent two-week period, Burbank Water and Power logged more than 40 incidents in which customers reported receiving illicit phone calls from people posing as utility employees, said Burbank city spokesman Drew Sugars. The scammers attempt to convince their victim that their power is about to be turned off unless they make an immediate payment of hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars, Sugars said. The scam has affected utility customers in Pasadena and Glendale as well, but this type of scam can occur in virtually any Southland community, Sugars said.
In addition to targeting residential customers, scammers often target businesses during peak operating hours. One tool they use is “spoofing technology,” which makes the caller ID appear as if it’s coming from the utility’s phone number, Sugars said. The caller usually instructs the victim to go to a store and purchase a pre-paid debit card. Once the card is loaded with funds, the victim is instructed to call the scammer and share the pre-paid card information.
Sugars noted that utility companies do not accept payment in this manner and will never call and threaten to immediately shut down power. Service disconnection only occurs after a long process, and when an account is delinquent, multiple written notices are sent to the customer before service is discontinued, Sugars said. If someone calls and threatens to disconnect the utility service, potential victims are urged to end the call immediately.
People should not call the number on the phone’s caller ID, but should contact the utility using the number on their bill — or by using the official utility website — to confirm that their account is in good standing. Also, people suspecting they are being scammed should report it to the local police department.
