Lazaro Aleman, Greene Publishing, Inc.
Duke Energy is warning its customers to be on the lookout for a long-running utility scam targeting small businesses, bars and restaurants, scores of individuals, and even the catholic churches.
The way the scam works, a customer receives an unsolicited phone call from an individual falsely claiming to be a Duke Energy representative. The scammer warns that Duke Energy will disconnect the customer’s electric service if the latter fails to make an almost immediate payment.
The utility company reports scammers have even duplicated its upfront Interactive Voice Response system, so when customers call back phone numbers provided by the scammers, the phone number sounds legitimate. Some of the scammers also reportedly use caller ID spoofing to replicate Duke Energy’s customer service number.
Duke Energy warns customers to be on the lookout for red flags that signal a scam activity, such as:
The thief gets angry and tells the customer the account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn’t made, usually in less than an hour.
The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card (widely available at retail stores) then call back and provide the card information, supposedly to make the payment to Duke Energy. Some scammers may request a money wire or money order.
The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which gives instant access to the card’s funds.
Duke Energy reminds customers to always be mindful of the following:
The company never asks or requires customers with delinquent accounts to purchase prepaid debit cards to avoid disconnection.
Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person.
Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification with the regular monthly billing, never a single notification an hour prior to disconnection.
Anyone who suspects they are being scammed should hang up and call either the Madison Police Department at (850) 973-5077 or the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 973-4151 to report the incident and then next call Duke Energy. Never dial the phone number that scammers provide.