Scams targeting utility customers on the rise during COVID-19 pandemic

Scams targeting utility customers on the rise during COVID-19 pandemic | #Verdafero #Utility #Fraud #COVID19 | Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas warn of scammers’ latest tactics. Duke Energy reports record number of reported scam attempts against its customers in June (prnewswire.com)

Scams targeting electric and natural gas customers are on the rise, with imposters implementing new tactics during the COVID-19 pandemic to trick utility customers out of money and personal information.

June 2020 was the highest single month on record for reported scam attempts targeting Duke Energy customers, hitting more than 4,000.

The total number of scam attempts reported by Duke Energy customers so far in 2020 – more than 15,000 – already is approaching 2019’s full-year total of 18,000.

“Unfortunately, the scammers appear to be preying on the uncertainty and financial hardship caused by the pandemic, and they are tracking trends and adjusting their tactics,” said Jared.

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