SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – A new scam is reportedly targeting residents in the Upstate, saying they must pay for a new “smart meter” or power will be cut off.
According to one WSPA viewer who received the call, the scammer claims to be with Duke Energy. The caller says power will be cut off shortly if you don’t put a deposit down for a new “smart meter.”
“Unfortunately, utility scams are not new and these criminals are always looking for new tactics to use to fool people into handing over their hard-earned money,” Duke Energy spokesperson Ryan Mosier said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Duke Energy says they saw many scammers become more creative and aggressive.
They say you do not have to sign anything or give personal information to anyone calling you on the phone, sending you an email or showing up at your door.
If you feel something’s not quite right about the situation, contact Duke Energy immediately at 800.777.9898. Contact the police immediately and report the call if you feel it was an impostor.
Duke Energy has provided some tips for protecting yourself against scams.
What to look for:
- Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell a customer their utility bill is past due, and service will be disconnected—usually within an hour—if a payment is not made.
- Request for immediate payment: Scammers might instruct a customer to purchase a prepaid card, cryptocurrency, or to send funds via a mobile app to make…
