I was scammed by someone pretending to be my utility company — what do I do?
Call your real utility company to verify your account status, report the scam to the FTC, and contact your payment provider about a reversal if payment was recent.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Utility impersonation scams involve callers or door-to-door visitors claiming to represent your electric, gas, water, or phone company. They threaten service shutoff within hours unless immediate payment is made — typically by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. The urgency and the fear of losing essential services makes these scams particularly effective.
If you already paid, first verify your real account status by calling the utility company's official number (found on your bill, not from the caller). If your account is current and no payment was needed, you were scammed. Report the scam to the company's fraud department — most major utilities have dedicated lines for this.
For gift card payments, call the issuer immediately to attempt a freeze if the card has not been redeemed. For wire transfers, call your bank's fraud line for a recall attempt. For cash paid to a door-to-door visitor, file a police report immediately and contact the utility company.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, selecting 'Imposter Scams' then 'Business/Government Impersonation.' Also report to your state's public utility commission — they track utility fraud complaints and may be able to alert their regulated utilities to issue customer warnings.
Common red flags
- Caller claims your service will be shut off within the hour unless you pay immediately
- Payment demanded in gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Caller's name and employee ID cannot be verified by calling the utility's main line
- Door-to-door visitor asks for immediate payment in cash for a utility issue
- Caller ID shows the utility company's real number (can be spoofed)
- No written notice preceded the shutoff threat
What to do now
- Call your utility company at their official number to verify your actual account status
- Call the gift card issuer or your bank immediately if payment was recent
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to your state's public utility commission
- File a police report for door-to-door cash fraud
Frequently asked questions
Do utility companies really shut off service the same day they call?
No. Real utility companies are required by law in most states to provide advance written notice before disconnection. A same-day shutoff threat from an unexpected caller is a scam.
What should I do if a door-to-door utility worker asks me to pay cash?
Ask for official identification, then call the utility company's main number to verify that a representative is expected at your address. Real utility workers do not collect cash payments. Refuse to pay cash and report the incident to the utility company.