Fake Utility Shut-Off Call Script
Callers impersonating energy or water companies threaten immediate service disconnection unless you pay an overdue balance right now by gift card or wire.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
This is [utility company] collections. Your account is [amount] overdue and service will be disconnected in one hour unless you pay now.
To keep your power on, press 1 to speak to an agent and arrange an immediate payment.
You can pay the [amount] balance by purchasing prepaid cards from any convenience store and calling us back with the numbers.
A technician is already on the way to disconnect your meter. Call [phone number] now to cancel the order.
What the scammer wants
To use the fear of losing heat, power, or water to pressure you into paying immediately by an untraceable method — typically gift cards — before you have a chance to check your real account.
Red flags in the message
- One-hour or same-day disconnection threat from an unsolicited call
- Demand to pay by gift card, prepaid card, or wire transfer
- Automated robocall asking you to press a number
- Caller discourages you from logging in to your account to verify
- Urgency escalates if you ask questions
- Caller ID may appear to show your utility company's number
- No written notice or account history to match
A safe response
Hang up and call your utility company using the number on your bill or their official website. Real utility companies send multiple written notices before any disconnection and never demand payment by gift card.
What not to send
- Gift-card codes
- Wire transfers or cryptocurrency
- Card or bank account details to an unsolicited caller
What to do if you already replied
- If you gave gift-card codes, contact the card issuer immediately
- If you shared card details, call your bank to cancel the card
- Log in to your real utility account to check your actual balance
- Report the call to your utility company and consumer-protection authority
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times