Your Safety is Our Priority: Protecting You from Scams
At Sanchez Electric, Inc., we believe that every homeowner and business deserves honest, reliable electrical services. Unfortunately, scams in our industry are all too common, and they can leave you with unsafe installations, financial losses, or worse.
That’s why we’re committed to keeping you informed and protected. Our licensed professionals deliver quality work you can trust, and we provide resources to help you recognize and avoid fraudulent practices.
By choosing Sanchez Electric, Inc., you’re not just hiring an electrical contractor — you’re partnering with a team that values your safety and peace of mind. Stay vigilant, and together, we can ensure that you’re never a victim of electrical scams.
Contact us today for trusted, certified electrical solutions.
Please be aware of the following types of scams and consider sharing this information with your family and friends to help protect them as well.
Unlicensed Contractors
Scammers pose as licensed electricians, but they lack proper qualifications, certifications, or insurance.
Warning Signs:
No verifiable license number or credentials.
Evasive when asked for proof of insurance or references.
Impact: Poor workmanship, safety hazards, or legal liabilities
How to Verify:
Visit the California State License Board (CSLB): Use the "Check a Contractor License" tool on their website to verify a business's license by entering the company name or license number. The tool will also indicate whether the license is active or expired.
Confirm Insurance Coverage: Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Verify the policy is current by contacting the insurance provider directly.
Research the Business: Check reviews and ratings on reputable sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, or Yelp.
Upfront Payment Scams
A "contractor" demands a large deposit or full payment upfront and then disappears without completing the work.
Warning Signs:
High-pressure tactics to pay immediately.
Lack of a detailed contract.
How to Avoid:
Understand Standard Payment Practices, Reputable contractors may ask for a deposit, but it should typically not exceed 10% of the total project cost or $1,000, whichever is less (as per California law and common guidelines). The remaining balance should be tied to project milestones or completed work.
Avoid Paying in Full Upfront, Never agree to pay the full amount before the work begins. Be cautious of contractors who demand large sums upfront or prefer cash payments.
Verify Credentials, Confirm the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured by checking with your state licensing board.
Trust Your Instincts, Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or deals that seem too good to be true.
Other types of Scams:
PG&E Scams
Scams targeting utility customers continue to increase at an alarming rate. Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, you can learn to detect and report these predatory scams.
Scammers often:
Ask for payment in unconventional ways such as pre-paid debit cards, gift cards, or third-party mobile payment applications. PG&E will not ask you to use any of these to pay a bill. Visit our Ways to Pay to learn all the authorized ways you can pay.
Threaten to disconnect your power because of past due bills if payment is not made immediately.
Ask for Social Security, credit card or PG&E account numbers, logins, and other personal information.
Create authentic looking 800 numbers which appear as PG&E on your phone display. if you have doubts, hang up and call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM.