{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fake-utility-bill-overdue-disconnection-scam","label":"Fake utility bill overdue disconnection scam — electricity/gas/water/broadband overdue + service disconnected in 2–24 hours + pay via gift card/prepaid debit card/wire transfer immediately to avoid cutoff","description":"Fake utility company disconnection threat — scammers impersonating electricity, gas, water, or broadband providers call or email claiming the victim's account is severely overdue and service will be disconnected within hours (typically \"2 hours\" or \"4 hours\" to maximise panic). Victims are told the only way to prevent disconnection is to call an \"emergency billing number\" immediately and pay using prepaid debit cards, Google Play gift cards, iTunes gift cards, or wire transfer. Real utilities: (1) never accept gift cards as payment; (2) send multiple written notices over weeks before any disconnection; (3) never demand payment over the phone to a number they call you from; (4) are regulated and must follow statutory disconnection procedures. The FTC and US utility regulators explicitly state that utility companies will never demand gift card payment — if you receive a demand for gift card payment from a \"utility,\" hang up or delete the email immediately.","tier":"danger","category":"scam","isThin":false}}