Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida (BBB) has joined with Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, and Peoples Gas to renew efforts to combat utility scams. This partnership coincides with Utility Scam Awareness Day on November 19, a nationwide initiative aimed at educating the public about fraudulent schemes targeting utility customers.
The collaboration focuses on providing information and resources to help consumers identify and avoid scams. The organizations have launched a social media campaign using #UtilityScamAware, which will include educational videos and tips for scam prevention.
Karen Nalven, President of Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida, said: “Utility scams remain one of the most persistent and damaging forms of consumer fraud. 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.”
Data from the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report shows that victims of utility scams lost a median amount of $435. Losses often increase during periods of stress such as storms or billing cycles. So far in 2025, Duke Energy Florida has received nearly 1,450 scam reports from customers. In 2024 alone, over 400 Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas customers reported attempted scams—more than the previous two years combined—and this year’s numbers have already surpassed that total within ten months.
Scammers use various tactics including threats of disconnection unless immediate payment is made through prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. They may also spoof caller IDs or place fake ads online to trick people into paying fraudulent bills.
Consumers are advised not to respond to suspicious calls or ads but instead contact their utility provider directly using official contact information. Utilities typically do not demand immediate payment via unconventional methods like peer-to-peer apps or prepaid cards. Customers should check representatives’ credentials before allowing access or making payments.
Suspicious activity can be reported to local utilities or through the BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Additional guidance is available through BBB’s Scam Prevention Guide and Scam Survival Toolkit.
Tampa Electric serves more than 860,000 customers in West Central Florida as a subsidiary of Emera Inc., based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
For further details on avoiding utility scams visit UtilitiesUnited.org or BBB.org.
