Official warning
Utility impostors are threatening immediate shutoffs
Scammers pretend to be gas, electric or water companies and demand an immediate payment.
How it works
The caller or message creates fear that a service will be disconnected today. Payment is demanded by wire, cryptocurrency, payment app or gift card.
A message might say
“Your electricity will be disconnected in 30 minutes unless you make an emergency payment now.”
Warning signs
- ●A same-day shutoff threat arrives unexpectedly
- ●Only an unusual or irreversible payment method is accepted
- ●You are prevented from checking the account yourself
What to do
- 1Hang up or stop replying
- 2Contact the utility using the number on a bill or its official website
- 3Never pay a caller using gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer
Source: Federal Trade Commission. Ward has rewritten the warning in plain language.