This article is brought to you by 2nd Shift Sewer & Plumbing, Heating & Air®. 2nd Shift Sewer & Plumbing® is the leading provider of plumbing services in Howard County and the surrounding areas. With more than 30 years of experience, their knowledgeable and licensed technicians have the expertise to fix any plumbing or sewer problem you may have.

Duke Energy and the Better Business Bureau are joining Utilities United Against Scams for the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day on Nov. 19 – an ongoing commitment to helping customers slow down, verify and stop the scam.

For a decade, Utility Scam Awareness Day has helped customers stay ahead of scammers. Duke Energy’s priority is keeping your money and personal information safe. So far in 2025, the utility company has received more than 5,600 scam reports across its service areas. Of those, 346 scams have been reported so far this year in Indiana.

This year, a 73-year-old Duke Energy customer in New Albany, Ind., lost $3,400 to a scammer who claimed his business was behind in its utility payments. The schemer left a voice mail saying the customer’s power would be cut off if he didn’t pay right away. Because it involved his business, he called back quickly and talked with someone claiming to be with Duke Energy.

The scam involved $3,400 in payments made via prepaid gift cards and wire transfers.

“I panicked,” the customer said about the incident. “I knew better but still made the payments because I thought my business was at stake. I should have just checked my account on the Duke Energy website.”

Duke Energy advises customers to slow down, verify, and help stop the scam. If a payment request feels urgent or suspicious, pause and protect yourself. Always use the official phone number or website from your bill. And for scam reporting, visit Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool or Scam Tracker.

Report any suspicious contact to your utility and law enforcement. You can also check and report scams through the Better Business Bureau and find more tips at U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page.

“Utility scams are designed to create panic, using pressure and urgency to get people to act before they have time to think,” said Jennifer Adamany, director of communications from the Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana. “BBB works every day to help protect our communities and equip consumers with the tools they need to respond confidently.

“The power to stop these schemes lies in taking a moment to see if the story adds up. Slowing down, verifying the details, and remembering that legitimate utilities will never demand payment through prepaid cards, cryptocurrency or third-party apps can help keep consumers safe.”

Scammers may demand immediate payment or threaten service cut-off, but Duke Energy will never do that. Scammers may ask for payment via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. Duke Energy never accepts these payment methods.

Scammers also may impersonate utility reps or promise refunds for personal information. Duke Energy will never specify how you must pay or threaten immediate service interruption.

If you’re targeted, hang up the phone, shut the door, or delete the message. Contact your utility using the info on your bill or on the Duke Energy official website.

“Scammers change scripts; our guidance doesn’t,” said Jessica Bishop, Duke Energy senior vice president, Customer Services Operations. “We don’t threaten instant shutoff, and we don’t dictate how you pay. If you hear either, stop and verify with us directly.”