Arizona Public Service (APS) is urging customers to stay alert for scams during National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 1-7, 2026. The company reports that scammers are contacting customers by phone, text, email, and in person while pretending to be utility representatives. In some cases, these individuals direct people to fake websites that mimic real utility payment pages.
According to APS, common warning signs include demands for immediate payment to avoid power shutoff and requests for payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. Customers may also receive suspicious links via text or email or encounter someone at their door claiming to represent APS and asking for payment or entry into the home.
APS stated: “A caller or message demands immediate payment to avoid shutoff. Someone insists you pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or payment app. A text, email or QR code directs you to a suspicious payment link. Someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal or banking information. A person comes to your door claiming to represent APS and pressures you to make a payment on the spot or asks to be let into your home.”
The company emphasized that it does not require immediate payments through specific methods and typically sends multiple notices before disconnecting service for nonpayment.
To help customers protect themselves, APS recommends several steps:
“Slow down and verify. If you get a suspicious call, text, email, or visit, do not respond right away.
Contact APS directly. If you are unsure whether a message is real, call APS at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).
Do not share personal information. Never give out banking details, credit card numbers or account information unless you are sure you are speaking with APS through an official channel.
Do not click suspicious links. Avoid unexpected payment links, QR codes or websites that do not seem legitimate.
Be cautious at your door. APS employees and contractors carry APS photo identification. Customers can always ask to see APS ID before continuing the conversation and can also call APS directly to confirm whether the person at their door is an APS employee.”
Customers who believe they have been targeted by a scam should contact the APS Customer Care Center at the provided numbers above. Suspected scams can also be reported to local law enforcement and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
APS serves about 1.4 million customers across Arizona—including rural communities and border towns—as a regulated utility company providing electricity and related services such as outage support and billing assistance programs like the Energy Support Program for eligible households based on income and size (official website).
The company noted: “National Consumer Protection week is a good reminder that a little caution can go a long way. By staying informed and taking a moment to verify, customers can better protect themselves and their families from fraud.”
More information about avoiding scams is available at aps.com/scams. APS participates in Utilities United Against Scams—a coalition of more than 150 utilities working together on consumer education efforts.
