SCE alerts customers to a new scam

SCE is urging customers to watch out for scammers who are impersonating representatives of the company. 

In 2023, the company reported that scammers collectively stole $11,491 from customers in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Desert Hot Springs.

Scammers posing as SCE representatives often use text, phone and email scams to send fake emergency alerts that threaten to turn off a customer’s service if immediate payment is not received.

Fake SCE websites have also been created to target customers searching for a way to turn on their utility services.

SCE is reminding customers of the following: 

·         SCE will never demand payment or credit card information over the phone

·         SCE does not take prepaid Visa cards, Bitcoin or Cash apps, such as Zelle or Venmo

·         SCE will not text you for payment via barcode

·         SCE will not threaten to remove your meter

·         SCE does not have a “Disconnection Department”

News Channel 3’s Tatum Larsen is in the process of speaking with an SCE official for more on this scam and how you can avoid it. 

Watch News Channel 3 at 6 p.m. for the full story.