Duke Energy Cautions IN Customers To Be On Guard Against Utility Scammers

There has been an increase in scam calls reported in the Hoosier state.

(Plainfield, Ind.) – An increase of reported utility scam calls is leading Duke Energy to caution its Indiana customers to be on guard.

The common call being reported from utility scammers are demanding that customers pay their electric bill immediately or risk having their electric service disconnected within the hour.

“We’ve noticed an increase in customer reports of scam calls recently,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “These scammers are thieves who prey on unsuspecting customers with the sole purpose of stealing their money.”

To defend yourself from these scammers, you first need to understand how the scam works. 

During these scam calls, the customer will receive an unsolicited phone or automated call from a someone who falsely claims to be a Duke Energy representative. These individuals demand immediate payment, usually in the form of a prepaid debit card. 

It has been reported that these scammers have even duplicated the Duke Energy upfront Interactive Voice Response system which lead customers to believe that when they call back the phone numbers provided by the scammer, it sounds like a legitimate Duke Energy phone number. 

Some criminals use caller-ID spoofing to replicate a utility’s customer service number.

Be alert if you recognize any of these red flags for scam activity.

• The caller becomes angry and tells the customer his or her account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn’t made – usually within the hour.
• The caller instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call him or her back to supposedly make a payment to Duke Energy.
• The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
• The customer has received no other notice from Duke Energy that an account is overdue.

Duke Energy has some tips on how to protect yourself.

• Duke Energy never asks or requires a customer with a delinquent account to purchase a prepaid debit card – or iTunes card -- to avoid disconnection.
• Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person at any number of retail outlets.
• Customers with delinquent accounts receive advance disconnection notification with the regular monthly billing – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
• Customers who suspect or experience fraud, or feel threatened during contact with one of these thieves, should contact local law enforcement authorities and then the Duke Energy Indiana phone number listed on their bill (800.521.2232). Never dial the phone number the scammers provide. Customers can get more scam and fraud prevention information at our “Report Fraud and Scams” web page.