Duke Energy warns customers of scam

Duke Energy Florida says it has seen an increase in utility payment scams this summer and is warning customers to be vigilant.

They said the biggest increase has been seen in the Tampa Bay and greater Orlando areas.

In one month alone, reports to Duke Energy have included calls from homeowners, renters, bars and restaurants and even the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg.

The scam works when a customer receives an unsolicited phone call from an individual who falsely claims to be a Duke Energy representative.

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 way to know it’s a scam is if the caller instructs you to pay with a pre-paid debit or credit card and then call him or her back to supposedly make a payment to Duke Energy.

Scammers have even duplicated the Duke Energy upfront Interactive Voice Response system, so when customers call back phone numbers provided by the scammer, it sounds like a legitimate Duke Energy phone number.

Duke Energy reminds its customers that it never asks or requires a customer with a delinquent account to purchase a prepaid debit card – or iTunes card -- to avoid disconnection.

Duke Energy 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 the scammers, should contact local authorities, and then the Duke Energy Florida phone number listed on their bill. 

Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.

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