FRANKLIN, Ind. — Two Franklin area businesses have been targeted by scammers posing as Duke Energy employees. The scammers told the business owners that their electricity would be shut-off if, payment in the form of a “Blue Dot” card from Kroger, was not made.
In both cases the victims contacted the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department to make a report. During the investigation, detectives and the victims contacted the scammers and asked why they were not able to make the payment in person at the Franklin Duke Energy office. The scammers were unable to provide a plausible answer.
When Duke officials were contacted, they confirmed that all the business accounts were in good standing and not in danger of disconnection. Officials also said they will never demand immediate payment over the phone or in person. Customers are encouraged to ask anyone identifying themselves as a Duke employee to provide their full name and company identification. Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox reminds residents to always be vigilant and consult family members of trusted friends in a situation such as this.
This is an ongoing investigation.
