SDG&E warns about new scam targeting real estate agents, homeowners

March 18, 2026 - 02:17

A new and sophisticated scam is putting real estate professionals and homeowners at risk, according to a fresh warning from local authorities. The scheme involves fraudsters impersonating utility company employees to gain access to properties or demand immediate payment.

The scammers are reportedly contacting real estate agents who are listing properties for sale. Posing as inspectors or technicians, they claim an urgent need to enter the home to check meters, inspect lines, or address a supposed gas leak. Their goal is to gain unsupervised access to vacant properties. In other iterations, homeowners are receiving aggressive phone calls threatening immediate power disconnection unless a payment is made via prepaid debit card or wire transfer.

Officials emphasize that legitimate utility workers always carry company identification and will never demand instant payment with prepaid cards. They advise agents to verify any unexpected service request directly with the utility company using a verified phone number from a past bill or the official website. Homeowners are reminded that disconnection notices are always sent in writing with ample time to respond, and any urgent call should be verified by hanging up and calling the customer service number listed on their official statement. Vigilance and direct verification are the strongest defenses against this deceptive tactic.