Duke Energy customers in Hamilton County are seeing an increase in a utility bill payment scam, with the most recent reports coming from numerous Sheridan area small businesses.
The scam involves a customer receiving an unsolicited phone call from an individual who falsely claims to be a Duke Energy representative. The caller indicates the customer’s electric service will be disconnected if they do not make an immediate payment. The caller also asks the customer to provide a social security number when making the payment.
The caller falsely warns that Duke Energy will disconnect the customer’s electric service if the customer fails to make an immediate payment – usually within one hour.
The caller instructs the customer to purchase a prepaid debit card – widely available at retail stores – then tells the customer to call back to supposedly make a payment to Duke Energy.
The caller asks the customer for the prepaid debit card’s receipt number and PIN number, giving the caller instant access to the card’s funds and the ability to immediately drain its balance.
Duke Energy indicated customers who have delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnect notification with their regular monthly billing – never just a single notification.
The company urges customers who suspect or experience fraud to hang up and call local police, then call Duke Energy in Indiana at 1-800-521-2232. Customers should not use the telephone number provided to them by the scammer.