PG&E Customers Face Rising Scam Losses in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Source: PRnewswire
- Rising Customer Losses: As of mid-2026, PG&E customers have reported over $211,000 in scam-related losses, averaging $969 per victim, highlighting the severe financial threat posed by these scams to consumers.
- Emerging Scam Tactics: A new 'barcode scam' has surfaced in 2026, where scammers threaten immediate disconnection over the phone and send barcodes or QR codes via text or email, instructing customers to make payments at stores, making it easier for victims to fall prey.
- Increased Business Targeting: PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scams targeting business customers in the first half of 2026, on track to surpass 846 reports from 2025, indicating that small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable during busy hours, impacting their operations.
- Prevention Recommendations: PG&E advises customers against using prepaid cards for bill payments, emphasizing that the company will never request payment information over the phone or at the door, urging customers to verify information through official channels to safeguard their financial security.
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Analyst Views on PCG
Wall Street analysts forecast PCG stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 16.950
Low
18.00
Averages
21.36
High
25.00
Current: 16.950
Low
18.00
Averages
21.36
High
25.00
About PCG
PG&E Corporation is a holding company. The Company's primary operating subsidiary is Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the Utility), a public utility operating in Northern and Central California. The Utility is engaged in the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers. The Utility generates electricity and provides electric transmission and distribution services throughout its service area in northern and central California to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers. The Utility provides electricity, transmission, and distribution services in its service area. The Utility owns approximately 18,000 circuit miles of interconnected transmission lines operating at voltages ranging from 60 kilovolts (kV) to 500 kV. The Utility also operates 33 electric transmission substations with a capacity of approximately 67,000 megavolt amperes (MVA). Customers can also obtain electricity from alternative providers such as municipalities (CCAs).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
PG&E Customers Face Rising Scam Losses in 2026
- Rising Customer Losses: As of mid-2026, PG&E customers have reported over $211,000 in scam-related losses, averaging $969 per victim, highlighting the severe financial threat posed by these scams to consumers.
- Emerging Scam Tactics: A new 'barcode scam' has surfaced in 2026, where scammers threaten immediate disconnection over the phone and send barcodes or QR codes via text or email, instructing customers to make payments at stores, making it easier for victims to fall prey.
- Increased Business Targeting: PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scams targeting business customers in the first half of 2026, on track to surpass 846 reports from 2025, indicating that small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable during busy hours, impacting their operations.
- Prevention Recommendations: PG&E advises customers against using prepaid cards for bill payments, emphasizing that the company will never request payment information over the phone or at the door, urging customers to verify information through official channels to safeguard their financial security.
See More
PG&E Customers Face Surge in Scam Losses
- Rising Customer Losses: By mid-2026, PG&E customers have reported over $211,000 in scam-related losses, reflecting a nearly 30% increase from 2025, with an average loss of $969 per victim, highlighting the escalating threat to customer finances.
- Emerging Scam Tactics: The new 'barcode scam' in 2026 involves scammers sending barcodes or QR codes via text or email for payment, which not only increases customer vulnerability but also showcases the evolving complexity of fraudulent schemes.
- Business Customers Targeted: PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scam attempts against business customers in the first half of 2026, on track to surpass the 846 reports from 2025, indicating that small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly susceptible during busy hours, affecting their operations.
- Prevention Recommendations: PG&E advises customers against making payments via prepaid cards or third-party services, emphasizing that the company will not send notifications within an hour of service interruptions, urging customers to verify any suspicious requests through official channels to safeguard their financial security.
See More
PG&E Provides Resources to Help Households Manage Summer Cooling Costs
- Cooling Cost Management: PG&E anticipates above-average temperatures this summer, with households spending up to $29 billion annually on air conditioning, prompting the company to provide resources to help customers lower energy costs while ensuring safety and comfort.
- Energy-Saving Tools and Programs: The introduction of ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats can save California customers between $50 and $78 per year, while the Automated Response Technology (ART) program adjusts energy use during peak demand, enabling effective energy management for customers.
- Budget Billing and Bill Forecasting: Customers can evenly spread their annual energy costs through the Budget Billing program and sign up for Bill Forecast Alerts at no cost, allowing them to receive notifications if their bills exceed a set amount, thus avoiding unexpected expenses.
- Income-Eligible Assistance Programs: PG&E offers a Medical Baseline program for eligible customers, ensuring those with medical needs receive additional energy allotments and priority shutoff notifications, thereby alleviating financial burdens for vulnerable populations.
See More
PG&E Launches Summer Energy Savings Programs
- Summer Energy Initiative: PG&E anticipates above-average temperatures this summer, encouraging customers to utilize energy-saving tools and discounts to help households reduce the approximately $29 billion spent annually on air conditioning, thereby alleviating financial burdens.
- Smart Thermostat Technology: By promoting ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats, customers can save between $50 and $78 annually, while PG&E's Automated Response Technology (ART) adjusts energy use during peak demand, enhancing energy management efficiency.
- Budget Billing Program: PG&E's budget billing program helps customers spread energy costs evenly throughout the year, preventing bill shocks, while providing bill forecast alerts to notify customers when their bills exceed set amounts, thereby enhancing financial control.
- Low-Income Assistance Programs: PG&E offers various assistance programs for low-income customers, including monthly discounts of 20% to 35% on electricity and one-time bill credits of up to $800, aimed at helping these households better manage energy costs and improve their quality of life.
See More
PG&E Shares Drop Amid Fire Safety Shutdown Warning
- Stock Movement: PG&E (PCG) shares fell 3.7% on Monday after the utility warned of potential public safety power shutoffs in eight northern California counties due to elevated fire risks, indicating market concerns over the company's fire risk management capabilities.
- Shutdown Risk Assessment: While PG&E noted little risk of shutoffs on Monday and Tuesday, the potential for outages on Wednesday through Friday reflects the company's heightened vigilance regarding fire hazards, which could impact customer confidence and the company's reputation.
- Weather Alerts: The company stated that a Fire Weather Watch is in effect across the Sacramento Valley from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon, with wind speeds expected to reach 15-25 MPH and gusts up to 30-45 MPH, increasing the likelihood of fire incidents and further complicating the company's operational risks.
- Decision-Making Mechanism: PG&E emphasized that while alerts are issued at the county level, specific public safety shutoff decisions are made at more granular levels, meaning that certain areas may be affected while others are not, showcasing the company's flexibility in responding to complex weather conditions.
See More
PG&E and California Fire Foundation Launch Wildfire Safety Grant Program
- Increased Funding: PG&E and the California Fire Foundation (CFF) are providing $1.8 million for wildfire safety and preparedness programs, significantly up from last year's $950,000, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing community wildfire prevention capabilities.
- Application Timeline: Grant applications are accepted from June 8 to July 8, 2026, with award notifications starting on August 10, ensuring that communities receive essential support and resources ahead of the upcoming peak wildfire season.
- Historical Funding Record: Since 2018, CFF has awarded 431 grants to fire departments and community organizations statewide, totaling $12.25 million, focusing on high fire-risk communities within PG&E's service area, thereby strengthening local wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts.
- Multilingual Outreach: The program develops and disseminates fire safety messaging in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, and Vietnamese, utilizing outdoor advertising and digital media to enhance public awareness of fire safety, ensuring that diverse communities receive critical information.
See More
PG&E Customers Face Rising Scam Losses in 2026
- Rising Customer Losses: As of mid-2026, PG&E customers have reported over $211,000 in scam-related losses, averaging $969 per victim, highlighting the severe financial threat posed by these scams to consumers.
- Emerging Scam Tactics: A new 'barcode scam' has surfaced in 2026, where scammers threaten immediate disconnection over the phone and send barcodes or QR codes via text or email, instructing customers to make payments at stores, making it easier for victims to fall prey.
- Increased Business Targeting: PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scams targeting business customers in the first half of 2026, on track to surpass 846 reports from 2025, indicating that small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable during busy hours, impacting their operations.
- Prevention Recommendations: PG&E advises customers against using prepaid cards for bill payments, emphasizing that the company will never request payment information over the phone or at the door, urging customers to verify information through official channels to safeguard their financial security.
See More
PG&E Customers Face Surge in Scam Losses
- Rising Customer Losses: By mid-2026, PG&E customers have reported over $211,000 in scam-related losses, reflecting a nearly 30% increase from 2025, with an average loss of $969 per victim, highlighting the escalating threat to customer finances.
- Emerging Scam Tactics: The new 'barcode scam' in 2026 involves scammers sending barcodes or QR codes via text or email for payment, which not only increases customer vulnerability but also showcases the evolving complexity of fraudulent schemes.
- Business Customers Targeted: PG&E has received nearly 656 reports of scam attempts against business customers in the first half of 2026, on track to surpass the 846 reports from 2025, indicating that small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly susceptible during busy hours, affecting their operations.
- Prevention Recommendations: PG&E advises customers against making payments via prepaid cards or third-party services, emphasizing that the company will not send notifications within an hour of service interruptions, urging customers to verify any suspicious requests through official channels to safeguard their financial security.
See More
PG&E Provides Resources to Help Households Manage Summer Cooling Costs
- Cooling Cost Management: PG&E anticipates above-average temperatures this summer, with households spending up to $29 billion annually on air conditioning, prompting the company to provide resources to help customers lower energy costs while ensuring safety and comfort.
- Energy-Saving Tools and Programs: The introduction of ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats can save California customers between $50 and $78 per year, while the Automated Response Technology (ART) program adjusts energy use during peak demand, enabling effective energy management for customers.
- Budget Billing and Bill Forecasting: Customers can evenly spread their annual energy costs through the Budget Billing program and sign up for Bill Forecast Alerts at no cost, allowing them to receive notifications if their bills exceed a set amount, thus avoiding unexpected expenses.
- Income-Eligible Assistance Programs: PG&E offers a Medical Baseline program for eligible customers, ensuring those with medical needs receive additional energy allotments and priority shutoff notifications, thereby alleviating financial burdens for vulnerable populations.
See More
PG&E Launches Summer Energy Savings Programs
- Summer Energy Initiative: PG&E anticipates above-average temperatures this summer, encouraging customers to utilize energy-saving tools and discounts to help households reduce the approximately $29 billion spent annually on air conditioning, thereby alleviating financial burdens.
- Smart Thermostat Technology: By promoting ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats, customers can save between $50 and $78 annually, while PG&E's Automated Response Technology (ART) adjusts energy use during peak demand, enhancing energy management efficiency.
- Budget Billing Program: PG&E's budget billing program helps customers spread energy costs evenly throughout the year, preventing bill shocks, while providing bill forecast alerts to notify customers when their bills exceed set amounts, thereby enhancing financial control.
- Low-Income Assistance Programs: PG&E offers various assistance programs for low-income customers, including monthly discounts of 20% to 35% on electricity and one-time bill credits of up to $800, aimed at helping these households better manage energy costs and improve their quality of life.
See More
PG&E Shares Drop Amid Fire Safety Shutdown Warning
- Stock Movement: PG&E (PCG) shares fell 3.7% on Monday after the utility warned of potential public safety power shutoffs in eight northern California counties due to elevated fire risks, indicating market concerns over the company's fire risk management capabilities.
- Shutdown Risk Assessment: While PG&E noted little risk of shutoffs on Monday and Tuesday, the potential for outages on Wednesday through Friday reflects the company's heightened vigilance regarding fire hazards, which could impact customer confidence and the company's reputation.
- Weather Alerts: The company stated that a Fire Weather Watch is in effect across the Sacramento Valley from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon, with wind speeds expected to reach 15-25 MPH and gusts up to 30-45 MPH, increasing the likelihood of fire incidents and further complicating the company's operational risks.
- Decision-Making Mechanism: PG&E emphasized that while alerts are issued at the county level, specific public safety shutoff decisions are made at more granular levels, meaning that certain areas may be affected while others are not, showcasing the company's flexibility in responding to complex weather conditions.
See More
PG&E and California Fire Foundation Launch Wildfire Safety Grant Program
- Increased Funding: PG&E and the California Fire Foundation (CFF) are providing $1.8 million for wildfire safety and preparedness programs, significantly up from last year's $950,000, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing community wildfire prevention capabilities.
- Application Timeline: Grant applications are accepted from June 8 to July 8, 2026, with award notifications starting on August 10, ensuring that communities receive essential support and resources ahead of the upcoming peak wildfire season.
- Historical Funding Record: Since 2018, CFF has awarded 431 grants to fire departments and community organizations statewide, totaling $12.25 million, focusing on high fire-risk communities within PG&E's service area, thereby strengthening local wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts.
- Multilingual Outreach: The program develops and disseminates fire safety messaging in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, and Vietnamese, utilizing outdoor advertising and digital media to enhance public awareness of fire safety, ensuring that diverse communities receive critical information.
See More
