Don’t be a victim of a utility scam.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a steady surge in the fraudulent actions of scammers attempting to deceive customers into providing both personal and financial information. Take a moment to learn more about how to recognize a utility scam so you can help protect yourself from being misled.
Spotting a typical phone scam
A common ploy used by scammers is to impersonate utility company staff over the phone, claiming to be collecting on late bills or threatening to disconnect your service. They often demand money in the form of a prepaid debit card to avoid immediate service interruption.
Refund check scams on the rise
With disconnections for nonpayment currently suspended due to the pandemic, scam artists have adjusted their tactics. The latest trend promises the mailing of refund checks for overpayment on your account if you can confirm personal data, like a birth date or Social Security number. In many cases, the call may be a pre-recorded “robocall” that falsifies their caller-ID information, making it appear as though the call is coming from Duke Energy.