Phone scams · 3 min read

Utility shutoff scams: "pay now or we cut your power"

Short answer

An unexpected call, text or visit says your electricity, gas or water will be shut off within the hour unless you pay. The FTC says that is a scam, especially if they want a gift card, payment app, crypto, or a barcode to pay at a store. Hang up and call the number on your bill.

Variants the FTC has flagged

  • Barcodes sent by text or email to pay at a retail store (FTC, Jul 2024).
  • Storm-season messages with links after outages (FTC, Jan 2026).
  • Demands for crypto, gift cards or cash reload cards (FTC).
Look up the number that contacted you

Carrier, line type and location are free. Private: nobody is notified.

What to do

  1. Hang up and call the customer service number on your bill.
  2. Never pay by gift card, crypto, payment app or store barcode.
  3. Report to your utility and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Questions

Will my utility shut off power with one hour's notice by phone?

Utilities send written notices well in advance of disconnection. A same-day phone threat is a scam sign.

Who is behind that number?

Search a name, phone number or email to see public profiles and records.

Sources

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Published 2026-10-28 by the TrueSearch Safety Team. General information, not legal advice. In an emergency call 911.

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