Don’t Get Burned by Summer Utility Payment Scams Protect Yourself – and Your Wallet – This Summer

As temperatures rise, so do reports of utility payment scams—one of the most common (and convincing) frauds targeting Ohioans during the summer months.

What Is a Utility Payment Scam?
 Scammers impersonate local utility providers, such as electric, water, or gas companies. They may call, email, or text you claiming your service is about to be disconnected due to a missed or late payment. The catch? They demand immediate payment—often through a prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or payment app—and threaten shutoff within hours if you don’t comply.

These scams can seem very real. Scammers might use spoofed phone numbers that look official, reference your address, or even know your account number.

How to Spot a Scam:

  • Urgent threats: “Pay now or lose service!” is a classic red flag.
  • Unusual payment methods: No legitimate utility company will demand payment via gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, or prepaid debit cards.
  • Unsolicited contact: Be cautious of calls, texts, or emails you weren’t expecting, especially if they pressure you to act fast.
  • Caller ID trickery: Scammers can make it look like the call is coming from your actual utility provider.

What to Do if You’re Contacted:

  1. Don’t engage: Hang up or ignore the message.
  2. Verify independently: Call your utility company using the phone number listed on your actual bill, not the one the caller gives you.
  3. Report the scam: Contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515.

If You’ve Fallen Victim:

  • Contact your financial institution immediately to try to stop or reverse the payment.
  • Report the scam to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Save all communication, payment receipts, and screenshots – these can help with investigations.

How EducaCU Can Help You Avoid Payment Panic

At Educational Community Alliance Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority. That’s why we offer Bill Payer—a secure, convenient service that ensures your bills are paid on time, every time—directly from your EducaCU account.

With Bill Payer, you can:

  • Schedule one-time or recurring payments to your utility providers
  • Track due dates and payment history in one place
  • Avoid late fees, service shutoffs, and scam-induced panic

No need to scramble or second-guess—when you use Bill Payer, you stay in control of your bills and your peace of mind.

Learn more and enroll today at educacu.com/bill-payer

Stay safe, stay smart—and let EducaCU help you stay on top of your finances all summer long.

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.