Medium riskText Message Scams

Water Bill Text Scam

This scam texts that your water bill is overdue, a refund is due, or supply will be cut, impersonating your water company and linking to a fake page that collects your card and account details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Utility impersonation (smishing)
Main red flag
A water bill, refund, or supply-cut text linking you to pay or confirm details.
What to do first
Do not use the link. Check your account in your water supplier's official app.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam texts that your water bill is overdue, a refund is due, or supply will be cut, impersonating your water company and linking to a fake page that collects your card and account details.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your water account is overdue. Pay now to avoid supply interruption: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A bill, refund, or supply-cut alert by text with a link
  • A request for card or account details
  • A web address that is not your water supplier
  • Urgency about supply being cut
  • A generic message naming no account

What to do

  • Check your account in your water supplier's official app or website
  • Call your supplier using the number on a real bill
  • Pay or claim refunds only through official channels
  • Report and delete the text

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter card or account details on the page
  • If you paid, contact your bank to flag your card
  • Change your supplier account password if you logged in
  • Watch your statements for unexpected charges

What not to do

  • Do not pay or claim a water refund via a text link
  • Do not share card details to avoid supply cuts
  • Do not let urgency rush you

Similar scams

High risk Text Message

Utility Disconnection Scam

This scam uses a text or call posing as your electricity, gas, or water company, threatening to cut off service within the hour unless you pay immediately by an unusual method.
Medium risk Text Message

Energy Rebate Scam

This scam claims you are owed an energy bill rebate, refund, or cost-of-living payment from your supplier or government, then links to a fake claim page that harvests your bank or card details.
Medium risk Text Message

Wrong Number Text Scam

This scam starts with a friendly 'wrong number' text, builds a casual conversation over time, and eventually steers you toward a fake investment.

Frequently asked questions

Does my water company text payment links?
Billing is managed in your supplier's official app or account. A text demanding payment or details via a link is a phishing sign.
A refund sounds genuine. Is it?
Refund lures are common. Verify any refund in your official account, and never enter card details via a text link.
I entered my details. What now?
Contact your bank to flag or freeze your card, change your supplier password if you logged in, and watch for unexpected charges.
Can my water really be cut off by text demand?
Genuine suppliers handle arrears through proper notices and your account, not urgent texts demanding instant payment via a link.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.