Rep. Burton: Beware of energy scams

Dear friend,

Duke Energy is warning Hoosiers to be on high alert after a recent bill payment scam in Indiana has resurfaced.

The scam is operating in the following way:

• Customers receive a call from an individual who falsely identifies him or herself as a Duke Energy representative;
• The caller claims that if the customer fails to make an immediate payment, his or her electric service will be disconnected;
• Customers are then asked to purchase a gift card or prepaid debit card and call the representative back to make a payment; and
• Customers are asked to reiterate the card's payment information to the fraudulent "Duke Energy representative" - who will then drain the balance from the card.

To avoid falling victim of this or any other scam, never agree to make payments over the phone. Duke Energy will never call to demand immediate payment without first sending you a notification by mail.

If you do receive a fraudulent call demanding immediate payment, or you have any doubts, you should hang up and call Duke Energy in Indiana at 1-800­-521­-2232. 

As your state representative, I want to ensure that you have the resources and information necessary to protect yourself against potential scams. I encourage you to share this information with friends and family.
 
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact me at the Statehouse at 317­-232­-9757 or h58@iga.in.gov. 

Sincerely,
State Rep. Woody Burton 

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