Avoid scammers: How to recognize a utility employee Avoid scammers: How to recognize a utility employee

Avoid scammers: How to recognize a utility employee

Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas want to raise awareness during Utilities United Against Scams Week

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Scams are everywhere. And while many scammers hide their identities behind a telephone or a computer screen, it’s just as important to stay vigilant against scammers who may turn up at your door.

Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are working together with Utilities United Against Scams during the week of Nov. 12-16 to raise awareness about scams targeting utility customers.

More information

How to identify a Duke Energy employee, Piedmont Natural Gas employee.

  • Duke Energy Carolinas: 800.777.9898
  • Duke Energy Florida:800.700.8744
  • Duke Energy Indiana: 800.521.2232
  • Duke Energy Ohio, Kentucky: 800.544.6900
  • Duke Energy Progress: 800.452.2777
  • Piedmont Natural Gas: 800.752.7504

If you believe someone claiming to be an employee is an impostor, call the police immediately.

In-person scammers may try to fool customers in the same ways as those over the phone or online, with threats of shutting off service without an immediate payment in cash or with a prepaid credit card. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas employees will never ask for cash or prepaid cards in exchange for service. These are signs of a scam.

Some Duke Energy contractors go door to door, to promote EnergyWise Business in the Carolinas, Power Manager for Business in the Midwest and Small Business Energy Saver in the Carolinas and Midwest. They wear a Duke Energy badge.

Never let someone into your home unless you have verified their identity or scheduled the appointment. If you’re suspicious about someone claiming to be a Duke Energy or Piedmont Natural Gas employee, contact the company immediately.

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Despite the challenges presented by scammers, there are ways to identify someone who visits your home or business as an employee or contractor of Duke Energy or Piedmont Natural Gas.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy employees’ uniforms may vary, but they will carry an identification card. Employees of Duke Energy Progress or Duke Energy Florida may have identification specific to those utilities. Private businesses sometimes may conduct business on behalf of Duke Energy. If they do not have identification, contact Duke Energy to verify the reason for their visit.

Piedmont Natural Gas

  • They drive a vehicle that clearly shows the Piedmont Natural Gas name and logo.
  • They wear a blue uniform with the Piedmont logo.
  • They carry a Piedmont or Duke Energy identification card, which you should request to see.

6 ways to protect yourself

  • Don’t assume the name and number on your caller ID are legitimate. Caller IDs can be fake.
  • Never share personal information, including birthday, Social Security number or banking account information.
  • Never wire money to someone you don’t know.
  • Do not click links or call numbers in unexpected emails or texts – especially those asking for your account information.
  • Most utilities will NOT require their customers to purchase prepaid debit cards or money orders to avoid an immediate disconnection.
  • If you receive a call that sounds like it may be a scam, or if you believe the call is a scam, hang up, call the police and report the incident to your utility.

 

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