The utility-shutoff threat

Someone calls claiming your utility service will be shut off unless you pay immediately—but it's not your real utility company.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

A caller claims to represent your gas, electric, or water company and says your account is overdue or you've violated terms of service. They create urgency by threatening disconnection within hours and pressure you to pay right away, often demanding a specific payment method like a prepaid card or wire transfer.

What it can look like

You receive a call from someone saying they're from your electric company and your service will be disconnected today because of a missed payment. They tell you to stay on the line while you pay, or they threaten to cut power immediately. A real utility company would send written notice first and offer multiple payment options.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You get a call or message claiming to be from your utility company, saying your bill is overdue and service will shut off within hours unless you pay immediately.

The caller sounds official, may reference your account number or address (information that feels like proof), and creates urgency by repeating the shutdown deadline.

You're told to pay right now using a gift card, wire transfer, or prepaid card—and often instructed to keep the purchase quiet or not tell bank staff what it's for.

You hand over money or card details. A real utility company will never demand instant payment by untraceable methods or threaten same-day shutoff without multiple prior notices in writing.

STOP HERE: Hang up immediately. Call your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website. Real shutoffs require written notice and are never threatened over the phone on short notice.

Red flags

Caller demands immediate payment to avoid shutoff, with no time to verify or discuss.
They insist you pay by prepaid card, gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency—not standard bill-pay methods.
You're told not to hang up, or that hanging up will speed up the shutoff.
The caller cannot provide your account number or other details you'd expect them to know.
They refuse to let you call your utility company directly to confirm, or claim doing so will make things worse.

What to do

Hang up immediately. Do not stay on the line or provide any information.
Call your utility company directly using the number on your actual bill or their official website—never use a number the caller gave you—to verify your account status.
Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and also contact your utility company's fraud department.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop all contact with the caller. Do not send more money and do not respond to follow-up messages.
Contact your bank or card issuer right away. Tell them what happened and ask whether the transaction can be reversed or flagged as fraud.
Call your actual utility company directly (use the number on your bill) to confirm your account is in good standing and report the impersonation attempt to them.
Report what happened to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the phone number or message details you have and the date of contact.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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