What are the red flags?

Threat of immediate shutoff; Payment only by gift card, wire, crypto, or cash apps; Caller ID that looks local but is spoofed.

What should I do if I clicked, paid, or replied?

Hang up; call the number printed on your utility bill; Never pay a utility with gift cards; Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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UtilityPhoneSMS

Fake utility shutoff threats

Last updated Oct 15, 2026

Also known as: power shutoff gift card scam

What it looks like

Caller or text claims to be your electric/gas/water company and says service will be shut off today unless you pay immediately — often by gift card, wire, crypto, or payment app.

Who it targets

Utility customers; often older adults.

Red flags

Threat of immediate shutoff
Payment only by gift card, wire, crypto, or cash apps
Caller ID that looks local but is spoofed

What to do if you clicked, paid, or replied

Hang up; call the number printed on your utility bill
Never pay a utility with gift cards
Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Still circulating?

Core FTC guidance; reinforced by 2026 weather-related utility alerts.

Primary source: FTC Consumer Advice · None

Educational summary only. Verify details on the source page. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov.