The "your power will be shut off" call
A voice says your electric bill is overdue. They say the power goes off within the hour. The rush is the whole trick. Check the actual account through your utility’s official contact details.
Step 1 See what it looks like
Hello, this is the billing department at your electric company. Our records show your account is past due. Your service is scheduled to shut off within the hour today. To stop the shutoff, you must pay $312 right now. We only accept payment by prepaid debit card. Please go to the store, buy the card, and stay on the line with me. Do not hang up or the technician will cut your power.
This is a made-up example to teach you. We will never show you a real person’s message.
Step 2 Find the red flags
- 1
“shut off within the hour today”
Check your real account and any notice. Rules for shutoffs vary.
- 2
“you must pay $312 right now”
The rush makes you pay before checking.
- 3
“We only accept payment by prepaid debit card”
Buying a card and reading its details is a warning. Check payment options with the utility.
- 4
“stay on the line with me”
They want to stop you checking another way.
- 5
“the technician will cut your power”
This claim is meant to scare you. It does not prove your service will stop.
Step 3 See why it works
A threat to cut off power feels urgent. The caller wants you to pay before checking your real bill. Caller ID can show a fake name.
- Do not pay the caller or read card codes aloud.
- End the call. Find the utility number on your real bill.
- Call that number or use your usual account app.
- Check the balance, notices, due date, and ways to pay.
- Ask the utility for help if you cannot pay a real bill.
- If you paid a scammer, call your bank or card company now.
- Keep the texts and receipts. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Do not pay a threatening caller. Use the number on your real bill to check.