Duke Energy impersonators scam citizens

Interim Chief of Police Willie McGhee reports that local businesses and citizens have been receiving calls from people who represent themselves to be Duke Energy. The swindler claims the targeted customer has not paid their electricity bill and warns that, if payment is not received, their power will be disconnected. The entity then suggests the customer pay immediately so their power will remain on. This is a scam. The same scheme circulated August of 2014. “Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports across our service areas of individuals impersonating Duke Energy employees to steal money from our customers,” said Gayle Lanier, Duke Energy’s senior vice president of customer services, on last year's scam epidemic. “Our customers can protect themselves by knowing the signs of fraudulent activity.” If you receive a call of this nature, report it immediately or call Duke Energy and speak to someone you're familiar with.