Text saying your power will be cut off today: is it a scam?
These messages pretend to come from your energy or water company. They say you are behind on your bill and will be cut off today unless you pay or call a number straight away.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
Power Co: A technician is scheduled to disconnect your electricity today because of an unpaid balance. Call [phone number] now to avoid disconnection.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- A threat to cut you off the same day.
- A number to call or a link to pay, instead of your normal bill.
- A request to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, a payment app or money transfer.
- No earlier letters or bills about it.
What to do
- Do not reply, click or call the number in the message.
- Call your supplier on the number printed on your bill, or log in to your account yourself.
- Never pay a bill with gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- If you have paid, call your bank straight away.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Our checks on this scam
Text saying your power will be cut off today? The documented scam pattern
No. On 16 September 2026 police in Dothan, Alabama said texts claiming a technician was about to disconnect services were fake, and that utility technicians do not text customers about shutoffs. The US Federal Trade Commission says real utility companies won't demand immediate payment to avoid same-day disconnection. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular message.
Updated 26 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Your bank's "fraud team" calls
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- "Hi Mum, I've got a new number"
- A loved one's voice on the phone
- Fake shops and too-good deals
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Online friends who talk about money
- Calls from the "police" asking for money
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.