Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky have begun using artificial intelligence to detect and counter scams that target their energy customers. The technology scans websites, social media, and paid advertisements for threats such as fake ads and impostor helplines. When suspicious content is found, it is flagged for removal by the hosting platforms.
“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,” said Amy Spiller, President of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky.
A recent example cited by the company involved taking down a paid search ad that impersonated Duke Energy with a fraudulent customer service number.
The need for these measures has grown after thousands of scam reports were recorded across Duke Energy’s service areas in 2025. There was a noticeable increase in reports during February when many customers seek bill assistance. In November, Duke Energy participated in Utility Scam Awareness Day alongside Better Business Bureau Cincinnati and other utilities to raise awareness about how customers can avoid scams.
Customers are advised to be cautious if payment requests seem urgent or threatening. They should only use official phone numbers or websites listed on their Duke Energy bill when verifying information. Suspected scams should be reported through Duke Energy’s Scam Reporting Tool or resources provided by the BBB and FTC.
Scam warning signs include demands for immediate payment, threats of service cutoff, or requests for prepaid cards or cryptocurrency—payment methods not accepted by the company. According to Duke Energy, they will never dictate specific payment methods or threaten immediate disconnection.
Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky serve over 900,000 electric customers and more than half a million natural gas customers across Ohio and Kentucky. Parent company Duke Energy operates in several states with millions of electric and gas customers nationwide while investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources.
For more information about ongoing initiatives at Duke Energy, visit duke-energy.com or follow the company on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or read stories on illumination.
