Utility 'Shut-Off in 30 Minutes — Pay by Gift Card'
A caller posing as your electric or gas company says your service will be shut off within the hour unless you pay an overdue balance immediately by gift card.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You get an urgent call claiming your utility bill is overdue and power/gas will be disconnected within 30–60 minutes unless you pay right now — usually by gift card or a specific prepaid method. The threat of losing heat, lights, or refrigeration (or, for businesses, of losing customers) drives fast payment. Real utilities send written notices, offer payment plans, and never demand gift cards. Restaurants and small businesses are hit during peak hours to maximize pressure.
What it usually looks like
- An urgent call about imminent utility shut-off.
- A demand to pay an overdue balance immediately.
- Payment by gift card or a specific prepaid method.
- A short deadline (e.g., 30 minutes).
Common warning signs
- Utilities demanding gift cards.
- Threats of shut-off within minutes.
- Pressure to pay before verifying.
- A callback number that isn't on your bill.
Example wording scammers use
“This is the power company — your account is past due and disconnection is scheduled in 30 minutes. Pay by gift card now to keep service.”
“A technician is en route to shut off your power unless you pay immediately.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Immediate gift-card/prepaid payment.
- To exploit fear of losing service.
- To act before you call the utility.
What to do
- Hang up and call your utility using the number on your bill.
- Utilities never demand gift cards; that's always a scam.
- Ask for written notice and payment-plan options.
- Warn staff (for businesses) about this scam.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact the gift-card issuer immediately to try to freeze funds.
- Verify your account with the real utility.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.