By Lookout Staff

July 31, 2019 -- Southern California Edison on Wednesday warned that scam artists posing as company employees are stepping up efforts to scam customers.

The scam artists, who show up at homes and businesses, have become "more aggressive and creative" in their attempts to collect money and personal information, company officials said.

“We have seen a spike in reports of people showing up at customers’ residences and businesses claiming to be from Southern California Edison,” said Kari Gardner, senior manager, SCE Consumer Affairs.

Gardner said customers should make sure the employee is wearing the company ID badge. If there are any doubts, the customer can call the Customer Service Department to verify unscheduled visits.

Since January, SCE customers have been scammed out of nearly $200,000, company officials said.

In one recent scam, a man falsely claiming to be an SCE employee showed up at a customer’s home saying he needed to read the meter.

"When access to the property was denied, the stranger threatened to shut off the resident’s electricity," Edison officials said. I

In another scam, a woman lost $500 after she received a telephone call informing her the electricity would be disconnected within an hour unless she paid a supposedly late bill.

"Edison takes every fraud complaint received seriously and investigates them," company officials said.

This year, Edison has helped phone carriers disconnect more than 600 scam numbers, officials said.

“It’s really important to educate yourself so you can recognize red flags that are clear signs of a scam,” said Gardner.

“Education and awareness are the key to prevention and the best way to protect yourself, your family, your home and your business.”

Those who suspect fraudulent activity should report it to local police and to SCE at 1-800-655-4555.

To learn how to stay safe, visit sce.com/ScamAlert.