Duke Energy and the Better Business Bureau are joining Utilities United Against Scams for the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day on Nov. 19 – an ongoing commitment to helping customers slow down, verify and stop the scam.
What’s happening
For a decade, Utility Scam Awareness Day has helped customers stay ahead of scammers. Our priority is keeping your money and personal information safe.
- 2025 to date: Duke Energy has received more than 5,600 scam reports across its service areas through the end of October.
- In Indiana, 346 scams have been reported so far this year.
Indiana customer’s story
This year, a 73-year-old Duke Energy customer in New Albany, Ind., lost $3,400 to a scammer who claimed his business was behind in its utility payments.
- The schemer left a voice mail saying the customer’s power would be cut off if he didn’t pay right away. Because it involved his business, he called back quickly and talked with someone claiming to be with Duke Energy.
- The scam involved $3,400 in payments made via prepaid gift cards and wire transfers.
- “I panicked,” the customer said about the incident. “I knew better but still made the payments because I thought my business was at stake. I should have just checked my account on the Duke Energy website.”
How Duke Energy helps you stay safe
- Slow Down: If a payment request feels urgent or suspicious, pause and protect yourself.
- Verify: Always use the official phone number or website from your bill. For scam reporting, visit Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool or Scam Tracker – Better Business Bureau.
- Stop the Scam: Report any suspicious contact to your utility and law enforcement. You can also check and report scams through the Better Business Bureau Find and Report a Scam and find more tips at U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page.
What scammers try & how Duke Energy protects you
- Scammers may demand immediate payment or threaten service cut-off, but we will never do that.
- They may ask for payment via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency – we never accept these methods.
- They may impersonate utility reps or promise refunds for personal info.
- For more information on how to spot and avoid scams, visit Scams & Fraud – Duke Energy or Scam Tracker – Better Business Bureau.
“Scammers change scripts; our guidance doesn’t: We don’t threaten instant shutoff, and we don’t dictate how you pay,” Jessica Bishop, Duke Energy senior vice president, Customer Services Operations. “If you hear either, stop and verify with us directly.”
“Utility scams are designed to create panic, using pressure and urgency to get people to act before they have time to think,” Jennifer Adamany, director of communication, BBB of Central Indiana. “BBB works every day to help protect our communities and equip consumers with the tools they need to respond confidently. The power to stop these schemes lies in taking a moment to see if the story adds up. Slowing down, verifying the details and remembering that legitimate utilities will never demand payment through prepaid cards, cryptocurrency or third-party apps can help keep consumers safe.”
Duke Energy’s promise to customers
Duke Energy will never:
- Specify how you must pay
- Threaten immediate service interruption
If you’re targeted:
- Hang up, shut the door or delete the message
- Contact your utility using the info on your bill or our official website