Utility Impersonation & Shutoff Threats - Verify Before You Pay
⭐⚡ UTILITY IMPERSONATION & SHUTOFF THREATS - VERIFY BEFORE YOU PAY
Scammers are pretending to be electric, gas, and water companies and threatening customers with immediate shutoff unless they make a payment. They often create urgency and demand payment through unusual methods, making it difficult to stop and verify the claim. Before making a payment, contact your utility company directly using a trusted phone number or its official website.
💬 COMMON STORIES SCAMMERS USE:
“Your account is past due and your service will be disconnected today.”
“You need to make an immediate payment to avoid shutoff.
“We can restore your service once you pay this fee.”
Requests to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
Caller ID showing the utility company’s real phone number.
🚨 WARNING SIGNS:
Threats of immediate shutoff or additional fees.
Pressure to pay while you're still on the phone.
Requests for unusual payment methods.
A caller asking for your banking or card information.
Unexpected texts or emails about a past-due utility bill.
🛡️ PROTECT YOURSELF:
Contact your utility company directly using a trusted number.
Check your account through the company's official website or app.
Never pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency to prevent shutoff.
Don't rely on caller ID to verify who's calling.
Take time to verify the bill before making an urgent payment.
🧰 HELPFUL RESOURCES:
FTC: Report Fraud
📍 IF YOU THINK YOU'RE BEING TARGETED:
Hang up and don't provide payment information.
Contact your utility company directly.
Contact your bank if you provided financial information or sent money.
Save messages, phone numbers, and payment records.
Report the incident to the FTC.
