Businesses (and residents) thoughout Southern California have been receiving phone calls telling them their utilty bills are past due and they must act right away to avoid shut-off. Businesses are being told to provide a prepaid credit card number for payment. These calls are fradulent.
If you get one of these calls, DO NOT PAY! Check with Pasadena Water and Power, Southern California Edison or the Gas Company about the true status of your account.
Unscrupulous business practices include mailing companies bills that look as if they are valid and asking for payment.
Here is one such bill a Pasadena Chamber member received:
The Chamber member never heard of the company and owed no money but their accounts payable department almost paid the bill because it looked legit. (Their telecommunications carrier is a reputable Chamber member.)
There are many forms of these sorts of scams. If you have any doubt whether a bill should be paid or not, check to ensure the company asking for payment is actually a real vendor. If you get a call demanding payment for any reason, please check to be sure it is a legitimate company and caller.
If you have any doubt, do not pay and ask for ime to follow up. (And get a phone number to call back... )