Fake utility company shutoff threat phishing — PG&E / ConEd / Xcel / National Grid / Dominion impersonation threatening same-day power or gas disconnection unless immediate payment is made via a link; FBI IC3 2024: $158M+ in utility impersonation losses

Phishing emails impersonating major utility providers — PG&E, ConEdison, Xcel Energy, National Grid, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Eversource, or a generic "electric company" / "gas company" — falsely claiming the recipient's electricity or gas service is scheduled for immediate disconnection within 24–48 hours due to an overdue balance, unless payment is made immediately via a link. The payment page harvests credit card or banking details. Key facts: (1) FBI IC3 2024: utility impersonation scams generated $158M+ in reported consumer losses, with surges during summer and winter billing peaks when real utility bills are highest; (2) The micro-urgency model is highly effective: a same-day shutoff threat creates extreme stress and overrides skepticism — victims pay without verifying because the stakes (losing heat in winter or AC in summer) feel too high to question; (3) Real utility companies send physical mail for disconnection notices before any shutoff, never demand immediate payment via an email link, and clearly identify their official website and phone number; (4) The scam disproportionately targets renters, seniors on fixed incomes, and low-income households already stressed about utility costs. Warning signs: sender not from the utility's official domain, same-day or 24-hour shutoff threat, prominent "pay now" button, urgency about losing heat or electricity, no physical mail preceding the email notice.