They say your lights will go out if you don’t pay right now—don't fall for the scam that's catching people off guard across the country.

“Your Power Will Be Cut Off Today!” – This Is How to Spot and Avoid Utility Scams

They say your lights will go out if you don’t pay right now—don’t fall for the scam that’s catching people off guard across the country. 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Scams #OnlineSafety

ST. PAUL, MN – Imagine answering your phone and hearing an automated message saying your electricity will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you make a payment immediately. It’s a nightmare no one wants—especially during a freezing winter night or a blazing summer day. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of these high-pressure situations. Here’s how these scams work and what you can do to avoid falling victim.

How Utility Scams Work

Scammers use fear and urgency to pressure customers into making quick payments. They’ll often claim your power or water service is about to be cut off unless you act fast.

Here are some common schemes:

  • Fake Payment Instructions: Scammers send barcodes via text or email, urging victims to pay their bills at retail stores like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart.
  • Spoofed Phone Calls: In California, customers of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have been receiving threatening calls, demanding payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or apps like Venmo and Zelle.
  • Fake Billing Issues: Austin Energy in Texas has warned of scammers who know detailed information about customer accounts. These fraudsters tell victims their payment didn’t go through and direct them to a fake website to re-enter payment details.

The key tactic is creating panic. Whether by phone, email, or even in person, these scammers pretend to be utility employees and insist you make payments immediately. If they convince you to pay with a method like a gift card or cryptocurrency, you’ll find it’s nearly impossible to recover your money.

Red Flags to Watch For

Utility scams often follow the same pattern. Look out for these warning signs:

  • Urgent Phone Calls: If someone calls claiming to be from your utility company and demands immediate payment, be suspicious.
  • Unusual Payment Methods: Real utility companies offer multiple secure ways to pay bills. Scammers, on the other hand, push for prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer apps.
  • Requests for Personal Information: Be cautious if someone asks for account numbers, credit card info, or passwords over the phone or through email.
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How to Protect Yourself from Utility Scams

  1. Don’t Fall for Pressure Tactics: Legitimate utility companies will give you several notices before cutting off your service. They won’t demand payment on the spot.
  2. Verify Contact Information: If you get a suspicious message, call your utility company directly using the phone number on your bill or from their official website. Avoid using search engines to find contact info—scammers can set up fake sites to trick you.
  3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Stick to paying through official channels. Avoid prepaid cards, QR codes, and apps that don’t offer fraud protection, as these are favorite tools of scammers.
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What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

  • Report the Incident: Contact your utility provider to report the scam attempt and help them track similar cases.
  • Monitor Your Accounts: If you shared any financial information, keep an eye on your bank or credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
  • Warn Others: Tell friends, family, and neighbors about the scam. The more people who are aware, the harder it will be for scammers to succeed.

Stay Calm and Stay Safe

Utility scams thrive on fear, but if you stay calm and follow these steps, you can outsmart the fraudsters. Always verify with your utility company before making a payment, and don’t let pressure tactics push you into a mistake. Awareness is the best defense against these scams—and by staying alert, you can protect both your money and your peace of mind.

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