Security Corner Blog

How the Scam Works

Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers or official-looking emails to make their threats seem real. They might claim you missed a payment or that your meter is scheduled for disconnection within the hour. They’ll then pressure you to pay right away—often through gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle or Venmo.

Once that payment is made, it’s gone—and your real utility provider never saw a dime.

How to Tell if a Shutoff Notice Is Real

Before you panic, take a moment to verify the claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Don’t act immediately. Scammers rely on urgency. Take a breath and slow things down.
2. Contact your utility directly. Use the phone number listed on your most recent bill or the company’s official website—not the number provided by the caller.
3. Check your account online. Legitimate companies will post past-due notices or payment reminders to your account portal.
4. Look for official mail. Real shutoff warnings typically arrive by mail, not as a surprise phone call or text message.

What Legitimate Utility Companies Will — and Won’t — Do

They will:

1. Send written notices well in advance of any service disconnection.
2. Offer flexible payment plans or assistance programs.
3. Allow you to make payments through secure, official channels.

They won’t:

1. Demand immediate payment over the phone.
2. Request payment via gift card, cryptocurrency, or cash transfer apps.
3. Threaten to disconnect your service within hours without prior notice.

What to Do if You’re Targeted

1. Hang up immediately. Don’t provide personal or financial information.
2. Report the scam. Contact your utility company to alert them and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at  https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or https://consumer.ftc.gov/

Spread the word. Warn family, friends, and neighbors—especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to these tactics. By sharing this information, you can empower others to protect themselves. Stay in control, stay informed, and never let a scammer pull the plug on your finances.