Duke Energy warning about Payment Scam

Duke Energy is warning customers about a payment scam.  The utility provider urges customers who are contacted by individuals claiming to represent Duke Energy to listen for red flags, and hang up immediately if fraud is suspected.  The primary red flag used by these criminals is the insistence that customers pay with a prepaid debit card. Some of these criminals have recently adopted new tactics, using caller ID spoofing to replicate Duke Energy’s customer service number. They can also become aggressive when questioned about the legitimacy of their calls, and some specifically target Spanish-speaking customers, restaurants and other small businesses. In reality, Duke Energy never asks or requires customers who have delinquent accounts to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid electric service disconnection. The company urges customers who suspect or experience fraud, or feel threatened during contact with one of these thieves, to hang up and call local police, then Duke Energy at 1-800-777-9898.