- AI technology proactively scans websites, social media and paid ads to detect scams
CINCINNATI – Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky are advancing their commitments to customer safety by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to detect scams targeting energy customers. This innovative technology scans websites, social media and paid advertisements for open-source social engineering threats, helping to protect customers from fraudulent schemes.
“As scammers become more sophisticated, we are proactively working to protect customers from bad actors. We are committed to creating a secure platform for our customers to manage their energy account. If something doesn’t feel right, slow down, verify and report it – our team is here to help.”
- Amy Spiller, President of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky
What’s new
- Proactive detection: AI scans digital channels for open‑source social‑engineering threats – including fake ads and impostor helplines – and flags them for removal with the hosting platforms.
- Real‑world examples: Recent takedowns include a paid search ad impersonating Duke Energy with a bogus customer service number.
Why it matters now
- Seasonal spike: Duke Energy saw thousands of scam reports across its service areas in 2025, with a notable spike in February, when many customers are seeking bill assistance.
- Industry mobilization: The company joined Better Business Bureau Cincinnati and other utilities for the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day in November to help customers slow down, verify and stop scams.
How customers can protect themselves
- Slow down if a payment request feels urgent or threatening.
- Verify using only the official phone number or website listed on your Duke Energy bill.
- Report suspected scams to Duke Energy and law enforcement: Use Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool, the BBB’s Find and Report a Scam and the FTC’s Consumer Advice resources.
Red flags: Scammers may demand immediate payment, threaten service cutoff or insist on prepaid cards or cryptocurrency, methods Duke Energy does not accept. The company will never specify how you must pay or threaten immediate disconnection.
Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky, subsidiaries of Duke Energy, provide electric service to 910,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 560,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Matt Martin
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DukeEnergyOH_KY