Is the Utility Shutoff Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a voice phishing scam.

What should I do if I received the Utility Shutoff Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the Utility Shutoff Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the Utility Shutoff Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

Utility Shutoff Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: Voice Phishing

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers call or visit your home posing as utility company representatives, threatening to shut off your electricity, gas, or water within minutes unless you make an immediate payment. They demand payment through untraceable methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards.

How This Scam Works

You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be your electric, gas, or water company. They say your account is delinquent and a technician is being dispatched to disconnect your service within 30 to 60 minutes. To prevent disconnection, they demand immediate payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfer. The caller may spoof your utility company's real phone number. Some scammers also visit homes in person, wearing fake uniforms and claiming they need to inspect meters. They may steal valuables during the inspection or demand cash payments on the spot.

Red Flags to Watch For

Threat of immediate disconnection with no prior written notice
Demand for payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, or crypto
Caller refuses to let you hang up and call the utility directly
Utility companies provide multiple written warnings before shutoff
In-person visitor without verifiable company ID or vehicle

Example Scam Messages

Phone call: 'This is a courtesy call from [Electric Company]. Your account is $387 past due and your power will be shut off within one hour. To keep your service active, you need to purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak card for $387 and give me the number.' --- Phone call: 'I'm calling from [Gas Company] collections. We've scheduled a disconnect for your address today. You can avoid the shutoff by paying $245 with a prepaid Visa card right now.' --- In person: 'I'm from [Water Utility]. I need to inspect your meter. Also, our records show a past due balance. I can collect payment now to prevent a shutoff notice.'

What to Do If You Received This

Hang up and call your utility company at the number on your bill
Utility companies do not demand gift card or crypto payments
Real shutoff notices come in writing with advance notice
Ask in-person visitors for company ID and verify by calling the company
Never let strangers into your home without verified identification

What to Do If You Fell For It

Contact the gift card issuer or payment provider to attempt recovery
Call your actual utility company to verify your account status
File a police report
Report the scam to your utility company
If someone entered your home, check for missing valuables

How to Report This Scam

Report to your utility company
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Report to your state utility commission or public service commission
File a local police report

Last updated: February 10, 2026