SUMTER COUNTY (352today.com) – The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is warning you about a scam targeting Duke Energy customers.
According to SCSO, residents have been receiving calls from someone pretending to be from Duke Energy. Residents report that the callers stated that their power would be shut off in an hour if they don’t pay their bill.
Loss of power would be worrisome at any time of year but especially when we’re in the middle of August and dangerously hot temperatures. Don’t fall for it. This is a recurring scam that has been going around for years.
Duke Energy wants to remind you that they do not ask any customers for money over the phone and that you will always get notices through the mail if you are delinquent on your bill.
Duke Energy’s website says some of the most familiar types of scams are disconnection threats, links that send you to fake pages, false promises regarding refund checks, and scammers posing as utility workers.
If you ever suspect that you are potentially being scammed, here’s what Duke Energy encourages you to do.
- Stop and slow down if you feel you are under pressure.
- Reach out to law enforcement in your area.
- Call the company at 800-700-8744.
- Share information regarding your experience to help other customers.
According to Duke Energy, they won’t cancel your service if they haven’t informed you beforehand.
Anytime you receive a call you are uncertain about; you are encouraged to hang up and call Duke Energy.
Customers are also asked to contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint if you have ever been a victim of digital scams.