Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and the Better Business Bureau are collaborating with Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) for the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day on November 19. The initiative aims to educate customers about common scam tactics and how to avoid them.
Throughout 2025, Duke Energy has received over 5,600 scam reports across its service territories, with nearly 3,000 coming from the Carolinas alone through October. This underscores the ongoing challenge of utility scams targeting customers.
The campaign emphasizes three key steps for customer safety: slow down when confronted with urgent or suspicious payment requests; verify information by using official contact details found on billing statements; and report any suspected scams to utilities or law enforcement. Customers are encouraged to use resources such as Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool, Piedmont Natural Gas’s scam reporting page, and the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
Scammers often threaten immediate service disconnection or request payments via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency—methods that Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas do not use. The companies stress that they will never specify a required payment method or threaten instant service interruption.
Jessica Bishop, senior vice president of Customer Services Operations at Duke Energy, stated: “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, said: “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 added: “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.”
UUAS is a group of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian utilities working together to share data and best practices for protecting customers from scams.
Duke Energy serves electric customers in six states across the Southeast and Midwest of the United States. The company continues investing in upgrades to its electric grid as well as cleaner energy generation sources including renewables and energy storage.
Piedmont Natural Gas distributes natural gas in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee as a subsidiary of Duke Energy.
The Better Business Bureau provides business profiles on millions of companies each year through its website BBB.org.
For more information about identifying utility scams or reporting suspicious activity:
– Visit Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool
– Use Scams & Fraud – Piedmont Natural Gas
– Check BBB Scam Tracker
More advice can be found at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page.
