Santa Cruz officials warn about electric bill phone scam

SANTA CRUZ, Calif -- Law enforcement officials in Santa Cruz County are warning the public about a recent scam in which suspects pretend to be from PG&E and then demand payment for late electric bills.

The callers contact the victim, say the victim is late paying the utility bill and then say the electric will be cut off within two hours if immediate payment isn't received, according to the Santa Cruz County District

Attorney's Office.

The victim is then instructed to go and purchase a Paypal Cash Card or a Green Dot Money Pack Reload card to pay the outstanding balance.

Officials said the suspects have demanded as much as $802 from businesses.

PG&E is aware of the scam, and customers are advised to view their bills and make payments online at www.pge.com or by calling 1-877-704-8470.