Don’t allow yourself to fall prey to a scam.  And don’t be more vulnerable now just because of snow.  Read the information below, which will help you avoid being taking advantage of.  This information is confirmed by Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans.

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Statement:

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce has been notified by some of our members of a scam involving persons falsely identifying themselves as Duke Energy representatives. A caller, claiming to be a Duke Energy service technician, tells the customer that a work order has been issued to immediately disconnect service. The caller states that a disruption of service can be avoided if an immediate payment is made. The scammer provides a telephone number for the customer to call to make the payment. The customer’s call is answered as Duke Energy by a very legitimately-sounding but fake IVR system. Duke Energy emphasizes that their customers are never contacted and asked to make a payment by telephone and provides the notice below to their customers. Please share this information with your friends, families, and business associates.

Duke Energy Statement:

Duke Energy customers in five states are continually being targeted by scam artists claiming to represent the company. Phone, doorstep and email scammers claiming to be a utility company are nothing new – it happens to all utility companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. However, complaints about this particular scam have really increased over the last several months.

Scammers are calling residents and impersonating utility company staff, claiming to be collecting on late bills. They may falsify their caller ID information to make it appear as though the call is coming from Duke Energy or provide a number to call which, when answered, appears to be a Duke Energy contact.

Because we do occasionally contact our customers by phone, it can be difficult to tell a scammer from a real Duke Energy employee. Here are some tips:

 

• If a caller specifically asks you to pay by prepaid debit card, this is a red flag. Prepaid debit cards are like cash and the transactions cannot be reversed.
• Remember, you do not have to sign anything or give personal information to anyone calling you on the phone, sending you an email or showing up at your door.
• If you feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call us at the number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real Duke Energy representative.

 

The only way to protect yourself is to be vigilant, stay informed and guard your personal information.  If you feel something’s not quite right about the situation, contact the police immediately and report the call if you feel it was an impostor.

For more information about avoiding utility scams, visit our web site at https://www.duke-energy.com/customer-service/report-fraud-and-scams

*The preceding content was sent to WIZS News via email from the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.