Duke Energy issues con artist warning

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November 21, 2012

Duke Energy issues con artist warning

Company says impostor tried to enter residents’ homes

NEWS AND TRIBUNE newsroom@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Wed Nov 21, 2012, 02:59 PM EST

PLAINFIELD — Duke Energy is warning customers to watch out for con artists posing as utility employees.

The company received a report Tuesday about Madison residents who were approached by a man claiming to work for the utility, according to a company news release. The residents said the man knocked on their door saying he needed to enter and check their home’s electric panels. The residents did not allow the man into their home.

“If someone comes to your door claiming to work for the electric company, ask for company identification, and if there is any doubt, contact us for further verification,” said Chip Orben, Madison district manager, in the release. “Seldom do our workers have reason to enter customers’ homes.”

Duke Energy offers this list of fraud prevention tips to protect customers:

∞ If you or someone you know has a question about whether someone is a legitimate representative of Duke Energy, call the company at 1-800-521-2232. Call police immediately if you believe the person is an impostor.

∞ Do not accept offers from anyone, including those claiming to be Duke Energy employees, to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee.

∞ Duke Energy only charges convenience fees for payments using its automated phone system, one-time payments made through its website and at select authorized pay agents. The company does not charge extra fees for paying bills by mail or through customers’ online banking services.

∞ Occasionally, Duke Energy may call you to discuss your account. If we do, we will provide you with information that only you and Duke Energy would know in order to validate that our call is legitimate. If, after receiving the information, you are uncomfortable providing personal information by phone, or if you believe the call is a scam, hang up and call the company directly at 1-800-521-2232.

∞ Guard against fraud — never share your personal information, including birthday, Social Security number or banking account information.