The Better Business Bureau serving West Florida has partnered with Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas to raise awareness about utility scams during Utility Scam Awareness Day. This initiative aims to educate consumers and businesses about fraud tactics and empower them to avoid falling victim.
Scammers impersonate utility representatives via phone calls, emails and in-person visits. These scams often involve threats of service disconnection and demands for immediate payment through prepaid cards or cryptocurrency.
In 2024, nearly 800 Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas customers in Florida reported scam attempts, with losses exceeding $112,000. Victims of utility scams reported a median loss of $463, according to the BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report.
The partnership includes a social media campaign under the hashtag #UtilityScamAware to share real stories and practical tips. Consumers are urged to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a utility, report suspicious activity and consult resources like the BBB Scam Tracker.