Duke warns customers about bill scam

CINCINNATI - Duke Energy is warning customers to be on the lookout for con artists claiming to be Duke employees.

Duke says the the scam artists claim they can wipe out an entire balance on a Duke Energy bill for a cash fee.

The energy company says employees do not have the ability to pay a customer's bill for a fee.

Customers who are contacted about the scam are asked to call police and Duke Energy.

Duke has issued the following tips to customers to help protect them from scams:

• At no time should anyone from Duke Energy offer to pay a customer's bill in exchange for a fee.  The only time a convenience fee is charged is when a payment is made using Duke Energy's automated phone system and one-time payment through the website.  Do not accept any offer from an individual who claims to be a Duke Energy employee who can pay a customer's total bill or provide any other service for a fee.
• Anyone with a question about whether someone is a legitimate representative of Duke Energy can contact Duke at 1-800-544-6900 to verify the person's identity.
• Duke Energy bill payments are accepted online through its Online Services program, by mail, by phone, or by pay agent locations.