What is the grandparent scam?

Scammers call as your grandchild in trouble — arrested, hospitalized. AI can clone voices from social media. FBI tracked 357 complaints and $2.7M losses in 2024. Hang up and call them directly.

How do I verify a call from my bank?

Hang up. Call using the number on your card. Never trust caller ID — scammers spoof numbers.

Would my utility call threatening shutoff?

They send written notices first, never threaten same-day shutoff by phone, never demand gift cards. Hang up and call your bill number.

How do I protect elderly family?

Establish family code word. Discuss scams. Encourage hanging up and calling back. Remind them it's okay to say no.

Utility Shutoff Threat Scam

Scammers claim to be your electric/gas/water company threatening immediate shutoff. Real utilities send multiple written notices.

🎭 Impersonation Scams

phone

🚩 Red Flags

⚠Threatening immediate shutoff
⚠Demanding gift cards or wire
⚠Pressure to stay on phone
⚠No prior written notice

🛡️ Protect Yourself

→HANG UP: Real utilities don't threaten immediate shutoff by phone
→CALL BACK using number on your bill
→CHECK account online
→Utilities never demand gift cards

Common Questions

Report This Scam

If you've encountered this scam, report it to help protect others.

FTC↗

Warn Someone You Know

Know someone who might fall for this? Share this warning with them.

Related Scams

IRS Phone Call Scam

Scammers pose as IRS threatening arrest for unpaid taxes. IRS never calls threatening arrest and always starts with mailed letters.

Social Security Suspension Scam

Scammers claim your SSN has been "suspended" due to criminal activity. This is impossible—SSNs cannot be suspended.

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73% of Americans targeted(Pew, 2025)

$470M lost to text scams in 2024(FTC)

$16.6B total losses(FBI IC3, 2024)