More than 5,600 scam reports have been recorded across Duke Energy’s service areas in 2025, according to company data. As Utility Scam Awareness Day marks its tenth year on November 19, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are partnering with Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to promote efforts aimed at protecting customers from fraudulent schemes.
Utility Scam Awareness Day has served for a decade as an annual reminder for customers to be cautious about suspicious requests related to their utility accounts. The event encourages individuals to “slow down, verify and stop scams” before any money or personal information is lost.
So far in 2025, Duke Energy received nearly 3,000 scam reports from customers in the Carolinas by the end of October. The company advises anyone who receives a payment request that seems urgent or suspicious to pause and verify its authenticity using official contact information found on their bill or the company’s website. Customers can report suspected scams through Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool or via resources provided by Piedmont Natural Gas and the BBB.
Scammers often threaten immediate service disconnection or demand payment via methods such as prepaid cards or cryptocurrency—approaches that legitimate utilities do not use. They may also impersonate utility representatives or claim they need personal information for refunds.
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 at Duke Energy 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 stated: “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.”
The UUAS coalition consists of over 150 utilities across North America sharing data on scams affecting energy customers.
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric customers in six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky—and provides natural gas services in five states through subsidiaries like Piedmont Natural Gas. More details about their operations can be found at duke-energy.com.
The Better Business Bureau offers business profiles on millions of companies nationwide through its website BBB.org.
