New Energy Scam Reported by Duke Energy After Weekend Ice Storm

In the wake of the severe ice storm that hit the Carolinas this past weekend, Duke Energy is warning customers about a new scam targeting utility account holders. The fraudulent messages circulating are exploiting widespread concern about storm-related power issues and trying to trick residents into engaging with fake outage alerts.

According to the utility, fraudulent text messages have been sent to customers claiming that “scheduled rolling power outages” will take place due to the weather conditions. These scam messages often include a link or attachment. If recipients click the link or open the file, they risk exposing their devices to malware or other malicious activity.

Duke Energy officials have confirmed that these messages did not originate from the company. The utility emphasizes that it does not send unsolicited texts or emails with links about outages, and that official communications about outages come only through Duke Energy’s own verified channels.

In a statement alerting customers to the scam, Duke Energy urged customers not to click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. Residents who have questions about their service or storm impact are encouraged to contact Duke Energy directly or check the company’s official communications for accurate information.

Scammers often take advantage of severe weather events when many residents are already anxious about power and safety. Utility scams — where fraudsters impersonate legitimate service providers — are a known threat and can lead to stolen personal information or compromised devices.

Duke Energy’s alert comes as crews work across the region to assess and restore storm-impacted service. Customers are reminded to remain vigilant and to verify any communication that seems suspicious before responding or interacting with it.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Do not click on links or download attachments from unexpected texts or emails.

• Contact Duke Energy directly if you have questions about your account or service.

• Rely on official Duke Energy updates for accurate outage information.

Staying alert and informed can help prevent residents from falling victim to scams that capitalize on extreme weather and service concerns.