BBB Warning: Bill Payment Scam Targets Utility Customers

Clearwater -FL Better Business Bureau is warning consumers in Florida about a bill payment scam that is targeting utility customers.

Individuals and businesses have reported receiving telephone calls that claim their electricity will be turned off within hours unless they make an immediate payment by a prepaid debit card, such as the Green Dot Money Card available at retailers nationwide.

“This scam is targeting electric customers today. Tomorrow, scammers could target cable customers or natural gas customers," said Karen Nalven, President of BBB Serving West Florida.

“That’s why it is important to increase awareness about payment scams in general so that customers understand the red flags and know what to do,” added Nalven.

The BBB has advice for utility customers:

• Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who calls or emails you.
• Never wire money or provide debit or credit card numbers to someone you do not know.
• Call the number on your utility company bill to find out if there is a problem with your account.

“Since November, we’ve received reports from about 80 customers who have been contacted by these scam artists. Many of the victims are small business owners,” said Tom Cunningham, Duke Energy payments manager.

Duke Energy offers customers a number of payment options, including online, by phone, by automatic bank draft, by mail or in person.

According to Cunningham, Duke Energy never contacts customers to demand a prepaid debit card payment to avoid an immediate service disconnection.

“We urge all of our customers to hang up and contact us directly if they receive such a scam call,” added Cunningham.

Contact numbers in FL include:

• Duke Energy Florida Customers – 800-700-8744
• Progress Energy Florida Customers – 800-700-8744

For more information about scams, please visit BBB.

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 114 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities.