Over 5,600 scam reports have been recorded in 2025 across Duke Energy’s service areas, according to the company. Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and the Better Business Bureau are partnering with Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) for the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day on November 19. The event aims to help customers recognize and prevent utility-related scams.
Since its inception a decade ago, Utility Scam Awareness Day has worked to inform customers about how to protect their money and personal information from scammers. So far in 2025, Duke Energy has received nearly 3,000 scam reports in the Carolinas through October.
Customers are encouraged to take precautions when they receive suspicious payment requests. The companies advise individuals to slow down if a request feels urgent or unusual, verify any communication using official contact information found on bills or company websites, and report any suspicious activity to their utility provider or law enforcement. Reporting tools are available through Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool, Piedmont Natural Gas’s Scams & Fraud page, and the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
Scammers often demand immediate payment or threaten service cut-off—actions that Duke Energy states it will never take. They may also ask for payments via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency; these methods are not accepted by the utilities. Some scammers impersonate utility representatives or promise refunds in exchange for personal information.
Duke Energy emphasizes that it will never specify how customers must pay or threaten immediate service interruption. Customers who suspect they have been targeted should hang up calls, close doors on suspicious visitors, delete questionable messages, and contact their utility using official channels.
Jessica Bishop, senior vice president of Customer Services Operations at Duke Energy said: “Scammers change scripts; our guidance doesn’t: We don’t threaten instant shutoff, and we don’t dictate how you pay. If you hear either, stop and verify with us directly.”
Brian Weisker, senior vice president and president of Piedmont Natural Gas added: “Our promise is simple: clear natural gas bills, secure payment channels, and support when something feels off. We urge everyone to stay vigilant, verify before you pay, and contact us right away whenever concerns arise.”
Juliana O’Rork of the Better Business Bureau commented: “Scammers are willing to try anything to steal your money and/or your identity. Pressure, secrecy and odd payment methods are the tells. At BBB, we strive to provide consumers and businesses with as much information as possible about scams that have been reported to us via BBB Scam Tracker.”
UUAS is a group of over 150 U.S. and Canadian utilities sharing data and best practices for customer protection.
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric customers across six states in the Southeast and Midwest United States while also providing natural gas services in several states through its subsidiary Piedmont Natural Gas.
More details can be found at duke-energy.com as well as on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
The Better Business Bureau has provided consumer protection resources for more than a century; its regional offices include one serving Southern Piedmont and Western North Carolina since 1949.
For further assistance regarding scams or reporting suspected fraud related to utilities services visit:
– https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/scams-and-fraud
– https://www.piedmontng.com/customer-support/scams-fraud
– https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker
