Scam guides › Utility shutoff scam
Utility shutoff scam: "Your power will be cut off in 30 minutes"
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: Hang up and call the number on your real bill. The FTC says scammers pretend to be your utility company, threaten to cut off service, and demand payment right away, often by gift card, payment app, crypto or wire.
What it looks like
Duke Energy: Your power will be disconnected in 30 minutes due to a past-due balance. Pay now with Cash App or call 1-877-555-0123.
A made-up example. Scammers use the names of real utility companies.
How the scam works
- A call, text or visit says your bill is past due and service stops today.
- They demand immediate payment by unusual methods.
- Some offer fake "rebates" or "overpayment refunds" to get your account details.
Red flags
- A shutoff threat within hours
- Payment by gift card, Cash App, Zelle, crypto or wire
- A number that doesn't match your bill
What to do now
- Hang up.
- Call the utility using the number on your bill or its official website.
- Report it to the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
Would my utility ever ask for a gift card?
No. The FTC says no real business or government agency will tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
Sources
- FTC: Scammers pretend to be your utility company
- FTC consumer alert: Avoid weather-related utility scams after the recent winter storm (Jan 2026)
- FTC: Avoiding and reporting gift card scams
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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