'Smart-Meter Upgrade Fee' Scam
A scammer claims your utility requires a paid 'smart-meter upgrade' and collects a fee or home access that the real utility never requires.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You're told your electric/gas/water utility is upgrading to smart meters and you must pay an installation or 'upgrade' fee, or grant a worker access to your home/meter. Utilities generally install meters at no direct upfront charge and schedule work; they don't demand gift cards or on-the-spot fees. The scam collects a fee or uses the pretext to enter your home or gather account details. Verifying with your utility ends it.
What it usually looks like
- A claim of a required paid smart-meter upgrade.
- A fee demanded to schedule/install.
- A worker wanting access to your home/meter.
- Requests for account or payment details.
Common warning signs
- Upfront fees for a meter 'upgrade.'
- Gift-card or instant-payment demands.
- Unscheduled workers seeking access.
- A callback number not on your bill.
Example wording scammers use
“Your utility requires a $95 smart-meter upgrade fee — pay now to schedule installation.”
“We're here to upgrade your meter; there's a service fee due today.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- An upfront fee.
- Home access or account details.
- Your payment information.
What to do
- Verify any meter work by calling your utility (number on your bill).
- Don't pay on-the-spot fees or gift cards for 'upgrades.'
- Ask for ID; confirm scheduled work independently.
- Report suspicious contacts.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your card/gift-card issuer if you paid.
- Verify with your utility and report a home entry.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.