Scam Alert: Utility scammers calling residents in Lake Lure

LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — Lake Lure police say someone claiming to be from Duke Energy called a resident, and told the man his account was overdue and he owed money.

The caller told the man that because of the payment was late, the man needed to pay with a money card rather than paying online. The scammer instructed him to buy a money card, then call back and give the scammer the number on the card.

The resident doubted the call and called the police.

The police department says if a caller ever requests a money card, they're trying to scam you.

Lake Lure law enforcement advises that if you ever receive a call demanding money, hang up and call the company. If you are ever suspicious of a call you've received, call your local law enforcement.

Check out the Duke Energy scam information page here.