Phone
+1 (800) 555-1023
76
Risk score / 100
Medium risk — Fake utility shutoff
Why we flagged this
Matched across multiple trusted sources and community reports.
Community reports (19)
Real stories from verified victims. Most recent first.
Restaurant owner · Oakland, CA · lost $1,400
Called during the lunch rush saying they'd shut off the power in 30 minutes if I didn't pay $1,400 in Green Dot cards. I panicked and did it.
How this scam type works
From our Utility Shutoff Scams guide.
- The urgent call. 'This is [utility company]. A technician is on the way to disconnect your service in 30 minutes.'
- Caller ID spoofing. Your phone displays the real utility company number.
- Payment via gift card or crypto. 'We can only accept payment via Green Dot cards in the next 10 minutes.'
- The threat. If you hesitate, they escalate: 'Your restaurant will lose hundreds of dollars if the power goes out.'
Been scammed?
Emergency help — what to do right now Step-by-step guide for lost money, shared info, or phishing clicks.
Also report to
Official channels where this matters.
- FBI IC3ic3.gov
- FTCreportfraud.ftc.gov
- Chainabusechainabuse.com