Scam library · Phone calls · Small business · Seniors
Utility shutoff scam call: 'your power will be cut in 30 minutes'
'This is the disconnection department. Your account is past due and a crew is on the way to shut off your power in 30 minutes. Pay now to stop it.'
These calls target homes and small businesses like restaurants, salons and shops, where losing power during business hours would be a disaster. The scammer wants payment by payment app, gift card, crypto or Bitcoin ATM.
What the message looks like
From: "City Power and Light, Disconnection Dept." (spoofed)
"Our records show your account is 2 months past due at $684.20. The disconnection crew has been dispatched and will arrive within 30 minutes."
"To stop disconnection, you can pay by Zelle or at a Bitcoin machine. Please stay on the line."
How this scam works
Scammers often spoof the utility's name on caller ID and use a professional phone tree. Some say your meter is faulty and you must pay for a new one. Others offer a refund for 'overpayment' if you give them your bank details.
Real utilities send multiple written notices before disconnecting, and they don't demand payment by gift card or crypto. You can always check your balance in your utility's app or by calling the number on your bill.
Scammers also time these calls for when you're busiest, like a lunch rush or a Friday afternoon, hoping you'll pay just to make the problem go away. Taking two minutes to call the number on your bill is the whole fix.
Red flags
- A shutoff threat within minutes or hours.
- Payment by gift card, crypto, Bitcoin ATM, payment app or prepaid card.
- You haven't received a paper or email notice.
- A caller who won't let you hang up and call back.
- An offer to 'refund' an overpayment using your bank details.
How to tell it’s fake
- Hang up and call the number on your bill or in your utility's app.
- Check your account balance online.
- Utilities have formal disconnection rules with written notice. A sudden threat without one is a warning sign.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Hang up. Report the call to your utility and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- For gift cards, call the card company right away. For a Bitcoin ATM, contact the ATM operator and report to ic3.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you gave bank details, call your bank's fraud line and watch your account.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard can't listen to calls. If a 'utility' email or page shows up in Chrome or Edge on your computer asking you to pay right now, or by unusual methods, it checks the address against your real utility and warns you before you pay. It's especially useful for small business owners who handle bills online.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Can my power really be shut off in 30 minutes?
- Not without prior written notices. Utilities follow formal disconnection rules.
- Do utilities accept gift cards or Bitcoin?
- No real utility asks for payment with gift cards or crypto.
- How do I check if I owe anything?
- Log into your utility's app or call the number on your bill.