Protect Yourself From Fraud

Criminals have been known to use various scams to steal bill payments and identity information from utility customers. Watch this video, and continue reading for details on how to protect yourself from scammers.

Recent Fraud Attempts 

Here is a list of the most recent PWP fraud attempts, as reported by our customers. Share this information with other PWP customers to prevent other possible victims from falling prey to these scammers:

  • October 2026: PWP has received reports of fraudulent calls from a phone number with a 323 area code. These calls are claiming power services will be turned off even though the accounts are current. PWP will never demand immediate payment and threaten imminent disconnection. When in doubt, verify your account status by calling customer service at (626) 744-4005.
  • August 2026: PWP has received reports of calls telling customers that their utility services would be disconnected in 30 minutes. This is a fraudulent call and is not from PWP. PWP will never demand immediate payment and threaten imminent disconnection. When in doubt, verify your account status by calling customer service at (626) 744-4005.
  • April 2026: PWP has received reports of unsolicited calls from an unidentified 800 number. The fraudulent caller on the phone was able to provide account details and demanded direct payment. PWP reminds customers that PWP does not demand payment over the phone, especially from an 800 number. When in doubt, verify account status by calling customer service at (626) 744-4005.

Common Scams

  • Phone calls, home visits and online solicitations promoting government utility assistance programs and that ask for social security or banking information
  • Phone calls or home visits from someone posing as a PWP representative who demands payment and threatens to turn off water or electric service.
  • Unscheduled home visits from scammers posing as PWP meter readers/inspectors or posing as contractors offering home energy audit services.

PWP Employees vs. Scammers

PWP does not notify customers of their account status by phone. Customers with delinquent accounts will receive a “Final Notice” and “Disconnect Notice” from PWP by U.S. Mail notifying them of their account status. Delinquent payments must be made in person at the City Hall Municipal Services counter, online via customer login, or by phone at 626.744.4005.

PWP employees will always wear a visible picture ID, with the city seal and an employee number, and have their supervisor’s phone number on hand. Always look for an official city vehicle outside. PWP employees never use personal vehicles to make service calls.

Outside contractors hired by PWP will have a badge that identifies them as a PWP contractor. Contractors working with our Home Improvement Program or the SoCalGas®  Energy Savings Assistance Program will always schedule home visits with the customer before visiting. Periodically, however, PWP may run a program that uses contractors to give information to customers door-to-door. Please call 626-744-4005 to verify they are working with the utility.

Our meter readers and water quality staff generally don’t need to go inside your home, unless your meter is located in a service porch area or you’ve specifically requested an interior inspection.