Today, my wife, who owns a business received a text message from PG&E which is our power company in California. The text message claimed that they are from the PG&E Disconnection Department and they are scheduled to shutoff the power to my wife's business which generates approximately $1,000 to $2,000 in daily revenues.
The scheduled shutoff is that same morning and text message left a message to call a number. I called that number and the rep stated he needed a $300 deposit so PG&E can change out the PG&E electrical meter in order to suspend the shutoff. I initially stated OK since it was only a $300 deposit.
However, they then wanted me to buy a MoneyPak Green Card from WalGreen Drug Store instead of paying by credit card. That raised red flags in my mind. In any case, I listened to his instructions which is to buy the $300 MoneyPak Green Card from WalGreen and scratch off the security code on the back and then call the same number and provide the security code to him so he can suspend the power shutoff.
I immediately called the PG&E office phone number listed on our utility bills. PG&E office confirmed it was a scam. They were very clever because my wife's business could not afford a power shutoff and $300 was a relative minor expense that I was willing to pay because of our potential loss revenues. The PG&E office stated that the text mail was probably sent to many thousands of phone numbers so they just needs a few hundred people to bite on it.
Anyone out there should share their experience of being scammed or almost being scammed for the benefit of other members.
The scheduled shutoff is that same morning and text message left a message to call a number. I called that number and the rep stated he needed a $300 deposit so PG&E can change out the PG&E electrical meter in order to suspend the shutoff. I initially stated OK since it was only a $300 deposit.
However, they then wanted me to buy a MoneyPak Green Card from WalGreen Drug Store instead of paying by credit card. That raised red flags in my mind. In any case, I listened to his instructions which is to buy the $300 MoneyPak Green Card from WalGreen and scratch off the security code on the back and then call the same number and provide the security code to him so he can suspend the power shutoff.
I immediately called the PG&E office phone number listed on our utility bills. PG&E office confirmed it was a scam. They were very clever because my wife's business could not afford a power shutoff and $300 was a relative minor expense that I was willing to pay because of our potential loss revenues. The PG&E office stated that the text mail was probably sent to many thousands of phone numbers so they just needs a few hundred people to bite on it.
Anyone out there should share their experience of being scammed or almost being scammed for the benefit of other members.