Electric customers in Ohio, Ky., warned of scam

CINCINNATI (AP) — A power company is telling its Ohio and northern Kentucky customers to beware of a scheme offering to pay off their power bills in exchange for a fee.

Duke Energy said in an alert issued Thursday that the people approaching its customers with that pitch claim to work for the company and say they’re authorized to wipe out account balances when the fee is paid.

But Duke says none of its employees have that ability.

The utility is blocking suspicious transactions and is encouraging customers to contact the company or police if they experience or even suspect fraudulent activity.