Impersonation
Utility Company Scams
Scammers pose as representatives from your gas, water, or electric company, threatening to shut off your service unless you make an immediate payment.
How It Works
- You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your utility company.
- They state that your account is past due and your service is scheduled for immediate disconnection, often within the hour.
- To avoid this, they demand you pay immediately over the phone, usually with a prepaid debit card, gift card, or a payment app like Zelle or Venmo.
- The scammer's caller ID may even be spoofed to look like the real utility company.
Red Flags
- Threats to disconnect your service on short notice (e.g., in 30-60 minutes).
- Demands for payment using specific, untraceable methods.
- The caller pressuring you not to hang up to verify the call.
- Directing you to a specific store to purchase a prepaid card.
Prevention Tips
- Utility companies typically send multiple notices in the mail before disconnection.
- Never make a payment over the phone to a caller you did not initiate.
- Hang up and call the official phone number listed on your utility bill or the company's website to verify your account status.
- Never pay a utility bill with a gift card.
Example Scenario
"You get a call telling you your electricity will be shut off in 45 minutes due to a "missed payment." The caller instructs you to go to a nearby CVS, purchase a $500 MoneyPak card, and call them back with the card number."