Is a text from my water or electric company saying I owe money real?
It may be a scam. Utility companies send formal overdue notices by post — text messages with payment links are frequently phishing attacks.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Utility phishing texts claim your water, gas, or electricity account is overdue and that service will be cut off unless you pay immediately via a link in the message. The link leads to a fake payment portal that harvests your card details. Some variants target customers on standing payment plans with messages claiming their direct debit failed. Real utility companies do send emails and texts as reminders, but they do not threaten immediate disconnection and provide payment links in the same message without allowing you to log in to your account directly. If you are concerned about your utility balance, log in through the official app or website.
Common red flags
- Text threatens immediate disconnection unless you pay today
- Link leads to a domain other than the official utility company website
- Message asks for card details directly, not through your account portal
- You have no prior overdue balance that you are aware of
- Sender ID shows the utility company name but the link is unfamiliar
What to do now
- Do not click the link
- Log in to your utility account through the official app or website
- Call the utility company using the number on your bill
- Report the text to your national spam reporting service
Frequently asked questions
Could this be a real overdue notice?
It is possible but unlikely if it threatens immediate action via a link. Check your balance directly in the app to be sure, without using the link in the message.