Utility scams are on the rise with customers being targeted by scammers posing as utility employees through phone calls, emails, and even in-person visits.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2024, consumers lost $2.95 billion due to utility-based scams. Scammers are using more sophisticated tricks than ever, 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.

Why Would a Southwest Gas Employee Be on My Property?

Southwest Gas employees are present throughout our communities, working to provide customers with safe, reliable natural gas service. 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

A Southwest Gas employee or contractor may need to enter your yard or knock on your door to check utility-owned infrastructure located on your property—even if you did not schedule a visit. These tasks are essential to safety and service reliability, ensuring that your home and community remain protected.

How to Verify a Southwest Gas Employee or Authorized Contractor

Here are some key ways to verify an employee or authorized contractor:

  • 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

  • The employee’s name and photo

  • Look for the Uniform or Vehicle. Southwest Gas employees are typically in a tan colored uniform with a Southwest Gas logo. Some employees or authorized contractors may not be in a full uniform, but many will wear clothing featuring the official 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. The Customer Solutions team can confirm whether someone from Southwest Gas or one of its authorized contractors is scheduled to work in your area.

    • For additional details on identifying legitimate employees, visit swgas.com/verifyemployee.

    Stay Safe: What Southwest Gas Won’t Do

    Scammers often try to create panic and urgency by threatening to disconnect 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 cryptocurrency)

    • Ask for personal or financial information in an unsolicited email

    Always remember, if your account is past due, Southwest Gas will notify you in writing.

    Customers should make payments only through the official Southwest Gas toll-free number 877-860-6020 or Southwest Gas’ secure online portal at swgas.com. They should also always verify their account status by logging into their Southwest Gas account through swgas.com or the Southwest Gas mobile app.

    What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

    Scammers use sophisticated tactics to steal personal information or money, including making threats or pretending to know you If you encounter a suspicious email, phone call, or in-person individual, follow these steps:

    • 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

    Stay Alert, Stay Safe

    At Southwest Gas, safety is a top priority. By staying vigilant and knowing what to expect from official employees and contractors, you can protect yourself and your community from scams.

    For more tips on scam prevention, visit consumer.ftc.gov or explore safety resources at swgas.com.

    This article appears in Jul 3-10, 2025.