Scam pattern
Utility shut-off scam (“Pay now or power is cut”)
The “your electricity will be disconnected in 30 minutes” call/text
A caller or text impersonates your electric, gas, or water company and threatens to disconnect service within the hour unless you pay immediately — usually by prepaid card, app, or crypto. Utilities don't operate this way.
How it’s usually worded
- “Final notice: your power will be disconnected in 30 minutes for non-payment. Pay now to avoid shut-off.”
- “Pay via prepaid card / Zelle to this number to keep your service on.”
- “A technician is en route to disconnect unless payment is confirmed.”
Red-flag signals
- Immediate shut-off threat
A 30-minute deadline is designed to stop you from verifying.
- Prepaid card / app payment
Utilities take normal billing — never prepaid cards or Zelle to a personal number.
- Spoofed caller ID
The number may show your utility's name but isn't them.
- Targets businesses at busy times
Restaurants in the dinner rush are common marks.
What to do
Hang up. Call the number on your actual bill or the utility's official website. Real disconnections come with written notice and never demand prepaid cards.
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FAQ
They knew my account was “past due” — is it them?
Scammers bluff or use leaked data. Verify only through the number on your paper/online bill, not the one that contacted you.
Do utilities ever cut power same-day over the phone?
No. You get written notice and standard payment options. Instant phone demands for prepaid cards are always scams.