Utility Scam Calls Are Back

Utility Scam Calls Are Back

By Greg Collier

You might think you’d never fall for a phone scam until someone calls claiming to be your power company. They know your name, your area, and even display the right company on caller ID. Then they hit you with a chilling threat: “Your electricity will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay now.”

That’s exactly what’s happening to customers across Wisconsin, and it’s spreading nationwide. Scammers are using fear, urgency, and technology to drain wallets faster than ever. Here’s how the con works and what you can do to stop it.

What’s Going On:

Utility customers are being targeted again, this time by scammers posing as power companies like We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS). In just one month, We Energies customers lost over $20,000, and WPS reported another $10,000 stolen in a single week. The calls sound convincing, the threats sound urgent, and the goal is always the same: to get you to pay immediately.

But here’s the truth. Legitimate utility companies never demand instant payment over the phone or through apps like Zelle or Venmo.

How the Scam Works:

The scammers use real company names and tech tricks to look legitimate.

  • The caller ID might even display your local power company.
  • A recorded voice may sound professional or automated, just like the real thing.
  • Then comes the pressure: “Your power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay right now.”

They’ll ask for payment through prepaid debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, or even cryptocurrency, anything that can’t be easily traced or refunded. Some victims have even reported scammers showing up at their doors, refusing to show ID, and insisting on payment in person.

Why It’s Effective:

This scam works because it hits two pressure points: fear and urgency.
The thought of losing power — especially for a business, a church, or a family — makes people panic. Scammers know that panic overrides logic. By impersonating a trusted local utility and using technology to spoof caller IDs, they sound completely legitimate until it’s too late.

And while this warning started in Wisconsin, these scams are nationwide. Every major energy provider has reported similar tactics. Whether your bill comes from PG&E, Duke Energy, or your local co-op, you’re a potential target.

Red Flags:

  • Caller ID shows your utility’s name, but the caller demands immediate payment.
  • Requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, or crypto.
  • Threats to cut off service within an hour if you don’t comply.
  • Refusal to let you hang up and call back using the company’s published number.
  • A so-called “technician” at your door without proper identification.

If You’ve Been Targeted:

If you get one of these calls — or if someone shows up pretending to be from your utility — here’s what to do immediately:

  1. Don’t engage. Hang up or close the door. The longer you stay on the line, the more likely they are to manipulate you.
  2. Take notes. Write down the phone number, what was said, and any payment methods they mentioned.
  3. Verify through official channels. Contact your utility directly using the number on your bill — not the one from the caller.
  4. Alert your local police or sheriff’s office to report the attempt.
  5. Notify your utility company so they can warn others in your area.
  6. Warn others — especially small businesses, churches, and elderly relatives who might be more vulnerable.

If you did send money, call your bank or payment provider immediately to report the fraud. Quick action can sometimes help stop or reverse the transfer. You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Final Thoughts:

Utility scams thrive on panic and confusion. Slow down, double-check, and trust your instincts — no legitimate company will threaten you over the phone or demand crypto payments. Whether you’re in Wisconsin or anywhere else in the country, knowing the signs can keep your lights on and your money in your pocket.

Further Reading:

Discover more from Greg's Corner

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.