(Raleigh, N.C.) A would-be thief posing as a utility worker has attempted to get credit card information over the phone from Progress Energy customers in Raleigh and Cary. The company encourages its customers and other residents to beware of this and other potential scams. According to reports, a male caller who claims 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 information on a credit or debit card or checking account.

Numerous scams have been reported in recent years, some involving men seeking entry into homes by dressing as utility workers and claiming to work for Progress Energy or an unnamed power company. In many instances, the scams have involved elderly homeowners. Once inside, the thieves have distracted the homeowners and stolen valuables.

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

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

Other than in emergencies or safety-related issues, there are practically no instances when a representative of Progress Energy would show up at a customer’s home unannounced and ask to enter to perform work. Likewise, Progress Energy representatives do not initiate calls to customers to request financial information.

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