BBB Warning: Bill payment scam targets utility customers

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.

About BBB Serving West Florida

As the leader in advancing marketplace trust for 100 years, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 100 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America.  For reliable tips, lists of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry and BBB Business Reviews you can trust on local businesses, visit www.bbb.org. ; To contact BBB serving West Florida about this release, please call (727) 535-5609 ext. 3317 or jzajac@bbbwestflorida.org.