This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Scam Alert: Beware Of Phony LADWP Workers
(Photo by m kasahara via the LAist Featured Photos pool)
Have you gotten a call from someone warning you that your power will get cut off if you don't pay your LADWP bill with a pre-paid cash card? It's a scam.The LAPD is warning the public that there's been an increase in these sorts of scams over the last few months.
Here's how it works: imposters call customers and tell them that they're behind on their bill. They threaten to cut off the customers' power immediately if they don't pay the balance. The phony utility workers then ask customers to call a certain number to purchase a pre-paid cash card for the balance.
All of this should send up red flags. The LADWP says it doesn't contact customers by phone demanding payment, it gives customers several options for paying their bills and it would never demand that customers buy a pre-paid cash card. If you are behind on your bill, LADWP isn't going to shut off your power immediately and you'll probably be getting several notices before it comes time to cut the power. They offer payment plans and assistance if you ask for help.
If you're not sure if a call you got from someone claiming to be from the LADWP is a scam artist, you can call call 1-800 DIAL DWP to double-check. And if you want to report a crime, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
