GREENSBORO, N.C. — “Hi there, this is to inform you that Spectrum has applied a 50% discount on your monthly bill. To keep this offer active, please call back at 866-831-2581.”
Did you get this phone call? Folks here at the station got it on their cell phones and I've had calls and emails about it from viewers over the last couple of weeks.
It is a scam for sure.
Spectrum put out a “Scam and Fraud Alert” about it on their website. Right at the top it says this: There's been an increase in fraudulent texts, emails, and phone calls claiming to be from reputable businesses, including Spectrum.
The call example from above is the 50% off service scam which Spectrum goes into detail about. If you had called the number, Spectrum says the caller would have told you the deal can only be activated by purchasing Target gift cards.
This time it's Spectrum, but next time it could be your power company, the IRS even. Anytime you're asked to pay your bill using a gift card, wire transfer, or a payment app, it's a scam. No question about it.
DUKE ENERGY SCAMS:
#1 The call your service is going to be disconnected right now!
“When it comes to disconnections, we will contact you several times. It will not be a surprise. So if you receive a call like that, just hang up,” said Keith Richardson of Duke Energy.
#2 You need to pay your bill right now and you need to do it with….
“We never dictate how people pay their bill, so if someone is saying you need to go get a prepaid credit card or use cryptocurrency, that's a red flag,” said Richardson.
#3 Hey, you’re getting a refund! We just need some information…
“People say they've received calls from someone who is pretending to be Duke Energy who says they're offering a refund, we don't do that either,” said Richardson.