Recent reports indicate that malicious e-mails made to look like messages from Pacific Gas & Electric and Atmos Energy have begun to circulate.

Users who open these fraudulent e-mails are alerted to overdue balances on their accounts and directed to click a link to view their account information, which takes them to a site designed to download malware onto their computers. This practice, known as "phishing," puts victims' personal information at risk

While we are currently unaware of any similar efforts aimed our customers, we want to remind you of a few simple tips you can use to protect yourself from this type of criminal activity.

  • Do not open suspicious e-mails or download attachments from sources you don't know and trust. Delete them immediately.
  • If someone calls claiming to represent your local utility and they demand immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
  • Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit.
  • Never allow anyone representing a utility into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or are aware of a confirmed problem. Anytime a utility employee arrives at your door, require the employee to produce proper identification, and do not hesitate to confirm the visit with the utility company via a phone call before permitting access to your property.
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