Devastating news :Greenville County Deputies Warn Residents About Duke Energy Scammers.
**Greenville County Deputies Warn Residents About Duke Energy Scammers**
Greenville County, South Carolina—Local law enforcement officials are urging residents to be vigilant following reports of a scam targeting Duke Energy customers in the area. Deputies from the **Greenville County Sheriff’s Office** have received multiple complaints from citizens who have been approached by scammers posing as Duke Energy representatives. These scammers are reportedly using aggressive tactics to deceive individuals into providing personal information and making payments.
### The Nature of the Scam
According to reports, scammers have been contacting residents by phone and claiming to be Duke Energy employees. They inform customers that their accounts are past due and threaten immediate disconnection of power unless payment is made right away. In some cases, the callers instruct victims to purchase prepaid debit cards or money orders and provide the card numbers over the phone.
“These scammers are very convincing and often use tactics that create a sense of urgency,” said Sheriff **Holly McCall**. “They know how to manipulate people, and it’s crucial for our community to be aware of these schemes to protect themselves.”
### Warning Signs to Look For
Deputies have outlined several warning signs that can help residents identify potential scams:
1. **Urgent Demands for Payment**: Scammers often pressure individuals to make immediate payments or face disconnection.
2. **Unusual Payment Methods**: Legitimate companies, including Duke Energy, do not request payments via prepaid debit cards or money orders over the phone.
3. **Caller ID Spoofing**: Scammers may use technology to make it appear as though the call is coming from Duke Energy or a local number, which can mislead recipients.
4. **No Official Documentation**: Legitimate notifications about past due accounts typically come in writing, not just over the phone.
### What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If residents receive a suspicious call or message claiming to be from Duke Energy, they are advised to take the following steps:
– **Do Not Provide Personal Information**: Never share sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, account details, or payment methods over the phone to unverified callers.
– **Hang Up and Verify**: If in doubt, hang up and contact Duke Energy directly using the official customer service number available on their website.
– **Report the Incident**: Residents should report any suspicious calls to the **Greenville County Sheriff’s Office** and provide as much information as possible about the interaction.
### Duke Energy’s Official Stance
In response to the rising number of scams, Duke Energy has released a statement reminding customers of the appropriate channels for communication. The company emphasizes that they will never ask for immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
“Customer safety is our top priority, and we are committed to educating our customers about these scams,” said a Duke Energy spokesperson. “If anyone is uncertain about a call they’ve received, we encourage them to reach out to us directly.”
### Community Awareness and Education
To combat these scams, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office plans to host community outreach programs aimed at educating residents about common scams and ways to protect themselves. These programs will focus on fostering awareness and equipping citizens with the knowledge they need to identify and report scams effectively.
“As a community, we must look out for one another,” Sheriff McCall stated. “The more informed we are, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. Together, we can help protect our neighbors from falling victim to these deceitful tactics.”
### Conclusion
As scams targeting utility customers become increasingly prevalent, Greenville County deputies are urging residents to remain alert and informed. By recognizing the signs of a scam and knowing how to respond, individuals can protect themselves from potential fraud. In these challenging times, community vigilance and education are crucial in combating such threats and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
