Fake Duke Energy Texts Target Carolinas Amid Cold Weather

CAROLINAS — Duke Energy customers across the Carolinas are being warned about a wave of fraudulent text messages claiming there are “scheduled rolling power outages” or “forced outages” due to freezing conditions.

According to reports in just the past few days, scammers are using cold weather and concerns about power reliability to create urgency and trick customers into clicking malicious links. The texts are not from Duke Energy.

How the Scam Works

The messages typically appear as urgent alerts, warning customers of immediate or upcoming outages and directing them to click a link for more information. Those links can lead to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information or install malware on a device.

What Duke Energy Says

Duke Energy officials remind customers that while the company may send legitimate alerts, it will not:

• Threaten immediate disconnection via text or phone call

• Ask for passwords, banking details, or personal information by text

• Demand payment through prepaid cards, gift cards, or wire transfers

  
  

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not click links in unexpected texts about outages or billing

• Delete the message and mark it as spam or junk

• Verify independently by checking the official Duke Energy website or mobile app

• Contact Duke Energy directly using the phone number on your bill if you have concerns

Customers are encouraged to remain cautious, especially during severe weather, when scam activity often increases.