SCAM LIBRARY · IMPERSONATION

The utility-shutoff threat

A scammer calls claiming your utility service will be shut off immediately unless you pay right now, but legitimate utilities don't demand instant payment by phone or gift card.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-06

How it works

You receive an urgent call from someone claiming to represent your electric, gas, or water company. They say your account is overdue or there's a safety problem, and they demand payment immediately—often by gift card, wire transfer, or prepaid card—to avoid service disconnection within hours. The pressure and time crunch are designed to make you act without thinking.

Red flags

• A caller demands immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or prepaid card to avoid service shutoff
• You're told not to hang up or to verify the call later; legitimate utilities encourage you to verify independently
• The caller threatens disconnection within hours without offering a normal payment plan or grace period
• You didn't receive a written notice or bill before the call, or the account details don't match your records

What to do

• Hang up and call your utility directly using the phone number on your actual bill—never use a number the caller provides
• Know that real utilities offer payment plans and don't demand gift cards or wire transfers
• Report the call to reportfraud.ftc.gov and contact your local utility's fraud department