Phone, internet & utilities scams

AT&T scams involve fake billing texts, phishing emails about account suspension, and SIM swap attacks that hijack your phone number. AT&T will never text you a link to pay your bill or ask for your password. Always log in directly at att.com or use the myAT&T app.

Verizon scams involve fake billing texts, phishing emails about account problems, and SIM swap attacks. Scammers send texts claiming your bill is overdue or your account needs verification. Verizon will never ask for your password via text or email. Always check your account at verizon.com or in the My Verizon app.

T-Mobile scams include fake billing texts, phishing emails about account verification, and SIM swap attacks that steal your phone number. T-Mobile will never ask for your password or PIN by text, email, or phone call. Always manage your account through the T-Mobile app or at t-mobile.com.

Xfinity scams are discount calls requiring gift card prepayment, billing-failure texts that capture a card, and SIM swaps against Xfinity Mobile numbers. Xfinity never takes gift cards and never demands payment within the hour.

Spectrum scams are discount calls requiring gift card prepayment and disconnection threats demanding immediate payment. Spectrum does not accept gift cards, does not demand payment within the hour, and does not send technicians you did not request.

The utility shutoff scam is a call threatening to disconnect your power, gas or water within the hour unless you pay immediately by prepaid card, app or crypto. No utility in the United States demands payment that way or gives you an hour.

The DIRECTV scam is a call offering a large loyalty discount in exchange for prepaying several months — in gift cards. DIRECTV does not take payment in gift cards and does not require prepayment to apply a discount.