Just like clockwork, I received another call this morning on my landline from “PG&E”, my electric utility provider. He threatened me with disconnection, and was told to call 800-668-6316 extension 2 to pay my bill. (Note: Ext 2 is not the billing department, but hey, I’m nit-picking)
Be forewarned. The IVR is an exact clone of the real PG&E's. It is easy for the regular civilian to get fooled.
They'll answer by asking for your account number. Just tell them you don't have it with you. Then they'll ask for a phone number and your service address. They'll put you on hold and will probably try to call the phone number. I know for a fact that they note this info down, because on my second call, I gave the same burner number and the person mentioned the street address I gave him. (not mine, but a random house on Zillow). Bottom line, they're a doing a bit of screening compared to last time. I was even accused of being a prank caller, I said how so, he said you're trying to get more information. So, just be aware that they're vigilant.
It's the usual scam. He said I owed $990.97. I said no way, I don't owe that much. He said it is what it is because of penalty and interest. I have been ignoring "written legal notices" about my bill. I pleaded with him, he said the minimum they'll take is $499.97. And it has to be by Express Payment. I assume the usual 7-11, CVS, etc. I was transferred to a "senior" officer who was supposed to direct me, and that's when the call got off the rails because I got "too smart". So he hung up on me.
Please call, and be ready with a phone number and address to give him. PG&E service area is Northern California. Area codes 415, 510, 408, 707, 925, etc.
I googled this 800 number, and it was also reported in San Diego. Not PG&E, but San Diego Power and Light.
I have reported this to PG&E. They're getting lots of reports about this scam.