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Utility Shutoff Scams
Fake threats to disconnect your power, gas, or water
🔍 How It Works
Scammers call or show up at your door claiming to be from your electric, gas, or water company. They say your service will be shut off within the hour unless you pay immediately with gift cards or cash. Real utility companies always send written notices.
📝 Real Examples
- •A caller says your electricity will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay $500 with gift cards.
- •Someone knocks on your door wearing a vest, claiming your gas will be shut off today.
- •A text says your water service is being discontinued — click here to pay the past-due balance.
⚠️ Warning Signs
- •Threats to shut off service immediately
- •Demand for gift cards, cash, or cryptocurrency
- •They won't let you call the utility company to verify
- •Pressure to pay right now
- •They show up at your door unannounced
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- •Real utilities always send written notices before shutoff
- •Call your utility company's real number to verify any threats
- •Never pay a utility bill with gift cards
- •Ask door-to-door visitors for official ID and verify by calling the company
📋 What To Do If It Happens
- •Do not pay
- •Call your utility company directly
- •If someone came to your door, do not let them inside
- •Report the scam
📞 Where to Report
- •Your utility company
- •FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- •Your local police department