This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

SoCal Gas Warns of Utility Bill Scam

The latest multi-state scam claims that President Obama will provide credit or directly pay utility bills.

Southern California Gas Co. is warning its customers about a scam in which the culprits tell victims they can get credits on their utility bills if they provide information such as a Social Security number.

According to the gas company, scammers have visited customers in person, used social media sites and even sent text messages to victims claiming that President Barack Obama is offering a program of bill credits or direct payment of bills.

Gas Co. officials said workers for the utility always carry proper identification when visiting customers, and they do not randomly call or text customers asking for Social Security numbers or other personal information. Customers should verify a person's employment before allowing anyone into their home or providing any information, according to the company.

Find out what's happening in Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be a representative of SoCalGas, customers should ask for proper identification or call the utility at (800) 427-2200, or (800) 342-4545.

Stay connected with Hollywood Patch throughout the day on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to ourfree daily newsletter for email updates.

Find out what's happening in Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?