Would my utility company demand immediate payment?
Scammers threaten to disconnect electricity, gas, or water unless an immediate hard-to-reverse payment is made.
“Your electricity will be disconnected in 30 minutes. Pay the overdue balance now using the barcode we texted you.”
Why this is suspicious
The short deadline is designed to bypass careful thinking. A scammer may direct you to a payment app, gift card, crypto ATM, or store kiosk.
Warning signs
- The deadline is only minutes away
- Payment must use an unusual method
- The caller refuses to let you check your account
- The number or link came from the message itself
What to do next
- Do not pay through the caller's method
- Check your utility account directly
- Call the number printed on a recent bill
- Ask a trusted person for help if the pressure feels overwhelming
If you already clicked or paid
For guidance on what to do after a possible scam, visit the FTC’s recovery guide. It covers different situations, including payments and personal information.
Official source: FTC utility impersonation guidance
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