Police warn public of renewed Duke Energy fraud

TRAVELERS REST, SC (WSPA) – Travelers Rest Police investigators announced Wednesday that area residents have once again been targeted by a scam.

Officials said the scam is targeting Duke Energy customers. Scammers are using the contact number (888) 494-4940 or other variations to contact customers and claim they are months behind on their payments.

According to police, victims were instructed by the scammers to make the payment through a payment service called Green Dot used by Walmart. Victims are given a reference number, which the customer then gives to an employee at a payment point, according to officials.

Repayment demands are being made for thousands of dollars. Investigators said that once the money is transferred, it is almost impossible to get it back without requesting a stop payment order immediately after the transaction.

Investigators said that when officers attempted to call 888, they were greeted by a menu of choices that resembled Duke Energy’s customer service greeting.

Police also mentioned that individuals or businesses with delinquent accounts would be contacted by mail and would not request payment by gift card or other limited means of payment.

If you have any questions regarding an outstanding balance or concerns regarding any form of communication, you are encouraged to contact your local Duke Energy Customer Service department in person for verification.

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