PLAINFIELD, Ind. (AP) – Duke Energy is warning customers a common utility bill payment scam is circulating again.

The scam threatens to shut off a customer's electricity unless a payment is made within an hour with a prepaid debit card. 

Duke says a person claiming to be a utility representative is targeting is customers. Customers are told to purchase a prepaid debit card and provide the card's information over the phone. The funds are then immediately drained. 

Duke Energy officials say customers who have delinquent accounts receive multiple notifications before service terminated.

The company urges customers who suspect or experience fake calls to hang up and call local police, then call Duke Energy in Indiana at 800-521-2232.