Utility Scams

The Wake Forest Police Department has received reports from residents who have been targeted in a utility scam by individuals claiming to represent Duke Energy.

In each incident, the customer reported receiving a phone call from a person identifying himself as a Duke Energy employee. The caller attempted to obtain personal information and threatened immediate service disconnection if immediate payment was not made with a prepaid debit card.

Police officials wish to remind residents to protect themselves against fraud by contacting the police department if they suspect or experience fraudulent activity.

Please also note the following fraud prevention tips:

  • Occasionally, Wake Forest Power may call you to discuss your account. If we do, we will provide you with information that only you and Wake Forest Power would know in order to validate that our call is legitimate. If, after receiving the information, you are uncomfortable providing personal information by phone, or if you believe the call is a scam, hang up and call the Town of Wake Forest directly at 919-435-9400.

  • Do not accept offers from anyone, including those claiming to be Wake Forest Power or Town of Wake Forest employees, to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee.

  • Wake Forest Power only charges convenience fees for payments using MoneyGram for its Pre-Pay Power program. Wake Forest Power does not charge convenience fees for any other programs.

  • Wake Forest Power customers who have delinquent accounts receive multiple notifications from the Town of Wake Forest over the course of several weeks prior to electric service disconnection – never just a single notification one hour before disconnection.

  • Wake Forest Power never asks or requires customers who have delinquent accounts to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid electric service disconnection. Customers can make payments any number of ways, including online, by phone, by AutoPay, by mail or in person.

  • If you or someone you know has a question about whether someone is a legitimate representative of Wake Forest Power, call the Town of Wake Forest at 919-435-9400. Call police immediately if you believe the person is an imposter.

  • Guard against fraud – never share your personal information, including birthday, Social Security number or banking account information.

For more information on how to protect yourself against fraud, contact the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150.