By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

Police caution businesses and individuals to not be fooled by Duke Energy scammers. This isn’t the first reported incident, police say, but the scam continues.

Salisbury Police Capt. Shelia Lingle said the co-owner of Rose’s Sandwich Shoppe, 819 S. Jake Alexander Blvd., said someone called the shop on Friday to tell them if they did not pay their electricity would be cut off.

The caller represented themselves as being a Duke Energy employee and gave instructions for the owner to obtain gift cards or pre-paid VISA cards in the amount of $1,290. One of the owners bought a card, put money on it and read the number on the back of the card so the caller could gain access to the money.

The owner searched online afterward and found they’d been scammed.

Lingle said it’s believed it was a busy time for the owner and they gave the money without asking very many questions.

She advised anyone who isn’t sure to contact Duke Energy before giving out any sum of money. Lingle also said Duke Energy doesn’t operate by those business practices.

In March, Bangkok Downtown was also a victim of the scam and gave a caller $800 in gift cards after owner Kongkeo Phomsaly was told the business owed that amount for a past due bill. Phomsaly called Duke Energy about receiving a call regarding a new meter installation. A Duke Energy representative said a meter had been installed.

Phomsaly did not inquire about the $800 bill. The caller, “Eric” told Phomsaly there was a discrepancy and he needed to pay the $800 or face the power being shut off.

Phomsaly paid the amount and later called Duke Energy to confirm they received the money. He was told he didn’t owe any money. He then contacted law enforcement.

In September three businesses received calls from a similar number saying they owed Duke Energy money. In those incidents Italy Cafe, Honey Baked Ham and Emma’s Restaurant all received calls.

Lingle said the nature of the calls isn’t typical of Duke’s business practices. She advised people to call the business following a similar phone call before giving out any financial information.

Anyone with information or who believes they’ve been a victim is asked to contact Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-63-5245 or the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333.