Southwest Gas Urges Alertness of Potential Utility Scams During International Fraud Awareness Week

Utility scams continue to increase, and scammers are impersonating utility employees through phone calls, emails, and even in-person visits to deceive customers. In recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week and Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) Day, Southwest Gas urges the public to stay vigilant and informed to protect themselves from fraud.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2024, total fraud losses in the U.S. reached $12.5 billion, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tricks, so it is essential to know how to protect yourself and what to expect when a verified Southwest Gas employee or authorized contractor contacts you.

Stay Safe: What Southwest Gas Won’t Do
Scammers often try to create panic and urgency by threatening to disconnect natural gas service or demanding immediate payment. Know the signs—here’s what Southwest Gas will never do:

• Send someone to your home demanding immediate payment in cash or through means not accessed via Southwest Gas’ website
• Demand payment via Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, Paypal, or Bitcoin (or other digital payment methods or cryptocurrency)
• Ask for personal or financial information in an unsolicited email

• Hang up or shut the door immediately.
• Do not share any personal or financial information, log in details and passwords.
• Call 877-860-6020 to verify any contact claiming to be from Southwest Gas.

• This work requires them to regularly:
• Read, maintain, or replace natural gas meters
• Conduct leak surveys to ensure system safety
• Locate underground utility lines before digging projects
• ​Perform system upgrades or routine maintenance
   

• Ask to see identification. Every Southwest Gas employee and most authorized contractors carry an official ID badge. This badge will feature the Southwest Gas logo or an authorized contractor logo and the employee’s photo.
• Look for the uniform or vehicle. Southwest Gas employees are typically in a tan uniform with a Southwest Gas logo. Official vehicles will display either a Southwest Gas logo or an authorized contractor logo.
• Call to confirm. Call Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020 to verify the person's identity. We can confirm whether someone from Southwest Gas or one of its authorized contractors is scheduled to work in your area.