PG&E Warns Customers About Emerging "Barcode Scam:" Here's What You Should Know

About this update from Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Victims of scams have lost an average of $969 so far this year OAKLAND, Calif., June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- So far this year, monetary losses from scams impacting Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers are on track to outpace 2025, with customers losing over $211,000 through mid-year. To help customers spot the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim, PG&E is sharing important tips and is warning customers of an emerging scam that may be playing a part in that surge. The most common scam continues to involve scammers placing a phone call to PG&E customers with a demand for immediate payment to avoid disconnection. A new wrinkle on that scam has emerged in 2026, where scammers call customers to threaten disconnection, and then send them either a barcode or QR code via text or email. The customer is then instructed to take the barcode or QR code to a store or business to present to a cashier to make payment. "Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to defraud customers, and the latest 'barcode scam' is a prime example of that. What hasn't changed is that they are still demanding immediate payment of your bill to avoid disconnection. If you receive a call of this nature, hang up. If someone at your door asks to see your utility bill, close the door. Then, call our 800 number or log into your account at PGE.com to verify your billing details," said PG&E lead scam investigator Matt Foley. "Remember, PG&E will never ask you for financial information over the phone or for payment via bar code, QR code or pre-paid debit cards or money transfer services like Zelle, and we won't ask to see your bill at your door," he said. By the Numbers Unfortunately, that number is likely just the tip of the iceberg for overall scams, as many go unreported. Small- and medium-sized businesses are also a target, and scammers focus their efforts during busy business hours, preying on business owners' sense of urgency to keep the doors open and the lights on. In 2026, in less than half a year, PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scam attempts targeting business customers. That's on pace to easily surpass 2025, which saw 846 reports of scammers targeting businesses. Signs of a potential scam How customers can protect themselves Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service di...

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