One of the more persistent and dangerous scams circulating today involves fraudsters impersonating utility companies.
While seniors are often the most targeted, utility scams can affect people of any age. Scammers prey on urgency and fear—two things that can make anyone vulnerable in the right moment.
Let’s walk through how these scams work, how to recognize them, and what you can do to stay safe.
What Is a Utility Scam?
A utility scam happens when a scammer pretends to be from your electric, water, or gas company. They’ll contact you—usually by phone or email—and claim that your bill is overdue. Then they threaten to shut off your service immediately unless you pay up.
The catch? The payment must be made right now using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or a wire transfer. These methods are nearly impossible to trace, which is exactly what the scammer wants.
Some scams go even further, using spoofed caller IDs or fake emails that look like the real deal—complete with logos, brand colors, and phony “account support” links designed to steal your information.
Why Utility Scams Work
Scammers use tactics that create fear and pressure:
- No one wants their power shut off.
- People tend to trust familiar companies.
- Scammers create urgency so you don’t have time to think.
Seniors may be particularly vulnerable due to factors like living alone, unfamiliarity with digital tools, or having a fixed income. But the truth is, anyone can fall victim if caught off guard.
Red Flags to Watch For
Mercer Savings Bank encourages all customers to look out for these common signs of a utility scam:
🚩 Unsolicited contact — Most utility companies don’t cold-call demanding payment. Real notices are usually mailed or sent through your online account.
🚩Urgent threats — “Pay now or we shut it off.” That’s a scare tactic. Real disconnections come with multiple warnings.
🚩Unusual payment requests — If they ask you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards—it’s a scam.
🚩Spelling errors or strange links — Scam emails often contain typos or links to unofficial websites.
What You Should Do
If you get a suspicious call, email, or text:
✅ Hang up or delete the message. Don’t engage.
✅ Call the utility company yourself. Use the number from your bill or their official website—not the one in the message.
✅ Report it. Contact the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or notify your local law enforcement.
Tips to Stay Protected
- Enroll in online account management with your utility companies so you can check your status directly.
- Use call-blocking tools to reduce spam calls and protect your phone line.
- Set up account alerts through Mercer Savings Bank to get notified of any suspicious activity on your debit card or account.
- Talk about scams with family and friends—especially older adults who may be more isolated or unfamiliar with current fraud tactics.
Let’s Stay a Step Ahead Together
At Mercer Savings Bank, your financial safety matters. That’s why we’re proud to offer not just banking tools, but real guidance to help you protect what’s yours.
Explore more tips, articles, and tools in our Fraud Resources section—and check back often for updates.
