Duke Energy warns customers about scam

CINCINNATI — Duke Energy is alerting customers to be on the lookout for scam artists who are claiming to be Duke Energy employees able to wipe out entire bill balances for a cash fee.

“It’s unfortunate that there are individuals who thrive on taking advantage of others, and it can be tempting to accept an offer that may sound too good to be true,” Gianna Manes, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Duke Energy, said in a news release. “We encourage our customers to protect themselves by contacting us and local law enforcement if they experience or even suspect fraudulent activity.”

Manes said Duke Energy is taking steps to help guard against the fraud by blocking transactions made with the bogus account information and by working with local law enforcement.

Duke officials offered these tips to customers to avoid becoming the victim of a scam:

• At no time should anyone from Duke Energy offer to pay a customer’s bill in exchange for a fee. The only time a convenience fee is charged is when a payment is made using Duke Energy’s automated phone system and/or a one-time payment is made through the website.

• Anyone with a question whether someone is a legitimate representative of Duke Energy can contact the company by calling (800) 544-6900 to verify the person’s identity and reason for the visit. Call police immediately if you believe the person is an imposter.

For additional safety information, visit www.duke-energy.com/safety.

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