SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A new phone scam has crooks threatening to show up at your home and turn off your power.
Some San Diego residents are reporting that they are getting calls from someone who claims to be with San Diego Gas & Electric. The scammers go on to say they'll come shut off your power right away if you don't pay them.
When Cindy Mayes answered the phone recently, she knew something was wrong right away. It sounded like your typical phone scam; the voice on the other end said they're from SDG&E, but this time it was a little different.
"Within 25 minutes, two men were gonna come to my door," said Mayes.
They told her if she doesn't pay them, she would be getting company.
The scammers told Mayes to call 619-272-2164 to pay her bill. When 10News called that number, the prompt goes to a menu that almost seems legitimate, but it's for another company.
10News viewers sent in another scam from 634-482-8470 that goes the same way -- if you don't pay, they say they're sending people to your home.
When 10News tried calling that number, the call wouldn't go through.
SDG&E has a page on their website devoted to phone scamsand how to avoid becoming a victim. The utility says they'll never demand payment over the phone and will always provide notices in writing before shutting off service.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department says they've seen a decrease in reports about scams lately.
If you receive a call that you think may be a scam, report it to their non-emergency line right away.
