Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has issued a warning to customers about a new form of fraud involving barcodes. According to a report by ABC10, the utility company is alerting consumers as scam activity continues to rise.
The scam involves scammers placing fake barcodes on utility bills or payment notices. When customers scan the barcode with their smartphones, they are redirected to fraudulent payment portals designed to steal personal and financial information. These fake portals mimic PG&E's legitimate payment system.
PG&E advises customers to only pay their bills through the company's official website or mobile app, and to avoid scanning barcodes from unfamiliar sources. Customers who suspect they have been targeted are encouraged to report the incident to PG&E and local authorities.