A PG&E employee stands beside a marked company vehicle. The utility is reminding customers that legitimate employees and contract partners carry identification and will provide it upon request. Photo courtesy of PG&E.

CHICO, CA (MPG) - Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is warning customers about individuals going door to door while posing as PG&E employees and asking to see customers' utility bills.

PG&E said it has received numerous reports of the activity in Butte County and other areas. According to the company, the individuals often tell customers they can help them save money on their PG&E bill before asking to see a copy of the bill.

The company warned customers not to provide billing information to anyone whose identity they cannot verify.

Sharing a PG&E bill can provide someone with an account number and personal financial information, potentially allowing unauthorized changes to an account, according to the utility.

"If someone comes to your door claiming to be with PG&E, ask them to show their PG&E identification. Our employees and official contract partners are always prepared to show it upon request," said Matt Foley, lead scam investigator for PG&E.

Customers who remain unsure whether someone is conducting legitimate PG&E business can call the utility at 800-743-5000 to verify the person's identity and purpose for visiting.

"And remember, if someone says they are with PG&E and asks to see your bill, they are NOT with PG&E and you should close the door," Foley said.

PG&E said its employees will provide company-issued identification when requested. Customers should not allow someone into their home if they cannot confirm the person's identity.

Anyone who believes they shared billing information with an imposter should contact local law enforcement and PG&E. Customers may also report suspected scams by calling 1-833-500-SCAM.

PG&E advises customers to call 911 if someone attempts to force entry into a home or if a customer feels threatened or in immediate danger.

Additional information about utility scams is available at http://pge.com/scams and http://consumer.ftc.org.