BBB and Local Utility Providers Unite to Protect Consumers for Utility Scam Awareness Day
Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida (BBB) and its longtime utility partners — Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas — are renewing their commitment to helping consumers recognize and avoid the growing threat of utility scams. This year’s collaboration aligns with Utility Scam Awareness Day, observed Wednesday, Nov. 19, a national effort to educate and protect consumers and businesses from fraudulent utility schemes.
Utility scams continue to target individuals and businesses, with con artists impersonating trusted providers to steal money and personal information. Through this ongoing partnership, BBB and participating utility companies are working together to share critical information, safety resources and prevention strategies to help consumers stay one step ahead of scammers.
To raise awareness, the organizations are rolling out a targeted social media campaign using the hashtag #UtilityScamAware. The campaign will feature educational videos and scam prevention tips designed to inform the public and promote a communitywide defense against utility fraud.
“Utility scams remain one of the most persistent and damaging forms of consumer fraud,” said Karen Nalven, President of Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida. “By working with Duke Energy, Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas, we are helping Floridians identify warning signs, take action and protect their hard-earned money.”
According to the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, the median reported loss for utility scams was $435, reflecting how even small-dollar schemes can have significant financial and emotional impact. The report also found that scam activity tends to spike during high-stress times such as storms, heat waves and billing cycles.
In 2025, Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, and Peoples Gas continue to report hundreds of attempted scams across Florida — with criminals often using phone calls, text messages, emails, and even home visits to deceive customers using increasingly sophisticated tactics.
Duke Energy Florida has received nearly 1,450 scam reports from customers so far in 2025.
In 2024 alone, more than 400 Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas customers reported scam attempts – more than the previous two years combined. This year’s reports have already eclipsed that – in only the first 10 months of the year.
Consumers are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious encounters to their local utility provider and the BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Those who believe they’ve been targeted or victimized can also use BBB’s Scam Prevention Guide and Scam Survival Toolkit for step-by-step recovery advice.
Common Utility Scam Tactics:
- Threats of Disconnection: Scammers claim immediate payment is required to prevent disconnection.
- Immediate Payment Demands: Victims are told to pay using prepaid cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
- Prepaid Card Scams: Scammers request prepaid debit card numbers for instant access to funds.
- Caller ID Spoofing: Fraudsters manipulate caller ID to appear as if calls are from legitimate utility companies.
- Utility Imposter Fake Ads: Scammers purchase sponsored ad space on search engines so their fake ads appear when you search for your utility company or keywords like “pay utility bill” to trick consumers into paying fraudulent bills.
Protect Yourself:
- Verify before paying: Don’t call phone numbers on suspicious ads or follow any links in the ad. If you suspect a scam, hang up or close the page and call your utility directly using the number on your bill or their official website.
- Don’t be pressured: Utilities never demand immediate payment to avoid disconnection.
- Know your utility’s payment policies: Check with your utility company about their accepted payment methods. Peer-to-peer payment apps are usually not accepted and a sign it’s a scam.
- Check credentials: Legitimate representatives carry company-issued ID—when in doubt, confirm before allowing access or making payment.
- If contacted via phone, text or email: Remember, utilities will never call you to ask for payment by prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency or digital payment channels.
Stay alert, stay informed, and protect your community from utility scams. For more information and resources, visit UtilitiesUnited.org or BBB.org.
Peoples Gas System, Florida’s largest natural gas distribution utility, serves more than 500,000 homes and businesses across the state. To learn more about the benefits of natural gas for Florida, visit FloridasEnergy.com. Find more information about the company, its culture, career opportunities and community investments at PeoplesGas.com.
