A call or text claiming your electricity, gas, or water will be disconnected within the hour unless you pay right now — by prepaid card, app, or crypto — is a classic utility scam. Paste any notice you got for a read.
Quick answer — No legitimate utility threatens disconnection within the hour or demands gift cards, prepaid cards, or crypto. They send written notices first and offer payment options. A 'pay now or we cut the power' call is a scam — verify with the utility directly.
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Why it's a scam
Real utilities don't demand instant payment by gift card, prepaid debit, Zelle, or cryptocurrency, and they don't give you 30 minutes before cutting power — they send written notices and offer payment plans. Scammers spoof the utility's caller ID and manufacture extreme urgency so you can't stop to think or call the real company. They often target small businesses during the busiest part of the day.
What to do
Don't pay on the call. Hang up and call your utility using the number on a past bill or their official website — never a number the caller gives you. Ask whether your account is actually past due. Report the scam to your utility and the FTC. If you already paid by prepaid card, contact the card issuer immediately; some funds can still be stopped.
If you already paid or shared your info
Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:
Paid by gift card, wire, or crypto? Contact the gift-card issuer, wire service, or exchange right away — some transactions can still be stopped — and keep the receipts and card numbers.
Entered a card number or paid online? Call your bank to freeze or replace the card and dispute the charge.
Typed a password or login on a linked page? Change it now — and anywhere you reused it — and turn on two-factor authentication.
Shared your SSN or other ID? Start a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.
Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (and, for online scams, the FBI at ic3.gov).
FAQ
Will my utility company call to demand immediate payment?
No legitimate utility threatens disconnection within the hour or demands gift cards, prepaid cards, or crypto. They send written notices first and offer payment options. A 'pay now or we cut the power' call is a scam — verify with the utility directly.
How do I check if my utility bill is really overdue?
Call the utility using the number on a real past bill or their official site, or log in to your account. Don't trust the caller's number or any link they text you.
Official sources
This guidance is compiled from official U.S. government sources. For your specific situation, verify directly: