Progress Energy warns customers of scam

Officials said Thursday that a man claiming to be a field supervisor for Progress Energy has told customers over the phone that their power will be disconnected for nonpayment unless they immediately provide account numbers for a credit or debit card or checking account.

The man has called customers in Raleigh and Cary, officials said.

Progress Energy encourages customers and others not to give personal information to anyone without substantiating the caller’s identity. Residents should also not open their door for utility workers unless they can confirm the person’s identity, the company said.

Progress Energy employees carry company badges with photographs, officials said. But since badges, vehicle signs and clothing can be fabricated to look authentic, none of these is sufficient to assure a person’s identity.

If a homeowner has any doubt about the identity of someone claiming to be a Progress Energy employee, that person can call the Progress Energy customer service center at 1-800-452-2777 to confirm the employee’s identity.