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Don’t Fall for Fake Utility Calls: A Guide to Protecting Your Money Introduction: The Knock at Your Digital Door It’s a call that can strike fear into any homeowner: a stern voice claiming to be from your electric, gas, or water company, insisting your service will be shut off in minutes unless you make an immediate payment. The pressure is real, but the caller is not. This is a utility impostor scam, a persistent fraud that authorities warn is once again making the rounds. As highlighted in a recent alert from bodies like the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), these criminals are adept at creating a convincing crisis to part you from your money. This guide will help you spot the deception and know exactly how to respond. ...

What to Know Ahead of National Consumer Protection Week 2026 It’s easy to feel a bit of scam fatigue. New schemes pop up constantly, and warnings can start to blend together. But there’s one annual event designed to cut through the noise with clear, authoritative guidance: the Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). ...

FTC Consumer Experts Warn: These Scam Tactics Are Surging Every year, scammers refine their playbook, exploiting new technologies and current events to separate people from their money. Staying ahead of these schemes is a constant challenge, which is why the Federal Trade Commission’s recent webinar, held during National Consumer Protection Week, is such a valuable resource. The session highlighted the evolving threats that are currently most prevalent and offered clear guidance on how to defend against them. ...

That Urgent Call About Your Power Bill? It’s Probably a Scam If your phone rings with someone claiming to be from the electric company, water department, or gas utility—demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection—be very careful. This is a classic and increasingly common scam. Recent alerts from authorities, including Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs), confirm a troubling surge in these impersonation schemes. The criminals are polished, the pressure is intense, and the potential for financial loss is real. Understanding how this fraud works is your first and best defense. ...

Your Guide to Staying Safe During National Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) to spotlight practical ways you can defend yourself against fraud. The 2026 campaign is no different, coming at a crucial time when scammers are refining their tactics. It’s a dedicated period to pause, reassess your digital habits, and arm yourself with the latest knowledge from the nation’s top consumer watchdog. ...

When a Call About Your Utility Bill Isn’t What It Seems If your phone rings with someone claiming to be from the utilities commission, demanding immediate payment to avoid your power being shut off, you’re not talking to a government official. You’re talking to a scammer. ...

Practical Advice from the FTC’s Consumer Protection Week Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights a crucial truth: the best defense against fraud is an informed consumer. As we approach National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the agency’s message is timely and clear. This annual event serves as a focused reminder to review your habits, understand the latest threats, and take simple, effective steps to safeguard your money and identity. ...

That Call from the “Government” Demanding Money? It’s a Scam You’re going about your day when the phone rings. The caller ID might even show a somewhat official-looking number. The person on the other end claims to be from a government agency—the utility commission, the IRS, or Social Security. They say you owe money immediately, and if you don’t pay right now, they’ll disconnect your service, suspend your license, or even have you arrested. Your heart races. This feels real, and the pressure is intense. ...

Getting Smart with Your Money and Your Data: Practical Takeaways from Consumer Protection Week 2026 Every March, the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of partners spotlight the critical importance of savvy consumerism during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s more than just an awareness campaign; it’s a yearly reset button for your personal security habits. With the theme for 2026 focusing on evolving digital threats, the FTC is doubling down on practical advice to help you recognize, resist, and report the most pervasive scams. ...

That Call About Your Overdue Utility Bill? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam. If your phone rings and the caller claims to be from your electric, gas, or water company demanding immediate payment, be very careful. It’s likely a criminal trying to steal your money. ...