Duke Energy leverages artificial intelligence to combat fraud targeting energy customers

Duke Energy leverages artificial intelligence to combat fraud targeting energy customers

Duke Energy leverages artificial intelligence to combat fraud targeting energy customers

https://nkytribune.com/2026/03/duke-energy-leverages-artificial-intelligence-to-combat-fraud-targeting-energy-customers/

Publish Date: 2026-03-04 00:38:00

Source Domain: nkytribune.com

  • Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky has deployed artificial intelligence (AI) to proactively detect and mitigate scams targeting energy customers.
  • The AI system scans websites, social media, and paid advertisements for open-source social engineering threats, including fake ads and impostor helplines.
  • Recently, AI took down a paid search ad impersonating Duke Energy that had a bogus customer service number.
  • In 2025, the company saw a significant spike in scam reports, especially in February when customers often seek bill assistance.
  • Duke Energy actively participates in industry-wide initiatives, like the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day, to help customers avoid falling for scams.
  • Customers are advised to slow down on urgent or threatening payment requests, verify using official contact methods, and report suspected scams to the appropriate channels.
  • Key red flags to watch out for include urgent payment demands, threats of service cutoff, and insistence on non-accepted payment methods like prepaid cards or cryptocurrency.
  • For further information on scam prevention, visit www.duke-energy.com.