Fresno business owner warning people about new scam involving PG&E

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local business owners are warning people about a new scam targeting PG&E customers.

Tahnee Bussean who runs two Fresno boutiques said both stores received a phone call from scammers Wednesday morning.

The callers posed as the power company asking for an immediate payment or they would disconnect power. Bussean said the scammers had an automated message system that sounded exactly like the real company and they knew her account information.

She said she didn't fall for the scam, but her mother who manages the other store did.

"They said you need to do a prepaid card or a money gram would be your fastest, so she just went and got her money gram. And like I said it's so legit to a tee that anybody can fall or it so easy. So we wanted to make it aware too so many other business owners," said Bussean.

Bussean said the scammers got away with about $1,000.

A PG&E spokesperson said they've seen an increase in these calls recently. They want people to know the company would never demand a money order and would also give customers more advance notice of any past due payments.