Utility messages and cash repair offers after a winter storm
Federal Trade CommissionNationwide
On January 29, 2026, the FTC warned that utility and repair scams follow major storms. The alert described a winter storm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power, and said impostors use that moment to send calls, texts, or emails that look like the utility company. Some claim they can restore service faster if you pay or hand over information. They cannot.
The same alert says unlicensed contractors appear after storms and disasters. A demand for cash up front, or a refusal to show a license, insurance, and a written contract, is a reason to walk away. Utilities and other legitimate businesses will not insist that you pay only by money transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Red flags
- After an outage, a text, email, or call that looks like your utility includes a link or a demand to pay for faster restoration.
- The only accepted payment is a money transfer, a gift card, or cryptocurrency.
- A contractor promises immediate cleanup and wants cash before any paperwork.
- They will not show a license, proof of insurance, or a written contract.
How to protect yourself
- Do not reply to an unexpected utility message and do not open its link. Call the number on your bill or on the utility's own website.
- Refuse anyone who says you can pay only by money transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
- Be skeptical of immediate repair offers after a weather emergency. Ask for the license, the insurance, and a contract before you pay.
- The FTC collects related advice at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies
If you are hit
- Report the message or the contractor pitch at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If you paid, contact the payment company immediately and ask about a reversal. See consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
- If you shared account information, tell the utility and your bank using numbers you look up yourself.
Questions
Is Utility messages and cash repair offers after a winter storm a scam?
On January 29, 2026, the FTC warned that utility and repair scams follow major storms. The alert described a winter storm that left hundreds of thousands of people without power, and said impostors use that moment to send calls, texts, or emails that look like the utility company. Some claim they can restore service faster if you pay or hand over information. They cannot. This page summarizes a public warning from Federal Trade Commission dated January 29, 2026. The linked source is the record.
What should I do if I fell for it?
Report the message or the contractor pitch at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you paid, contact the payment company immediately and ask about a reversal. See https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed. If you shared account information, tell the utility and your bank using numbers you look up yourself.
Sources
- Avoid weather-related utility scams after the recent winter stormFTC Consumer Advice
This summary is informational and not legal advice. If it and the linked source disagree, follow the source.
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