Duke Energy is warning customers to be on the lookout for scammers trying to get your personal information during a winter storm.

Many Duke Energy customers anticipated possible outages to service with last weekend’s system. Some received a text message appearing to be from Duke Energy warning of scheduled rolling power outages due to the freezing conditions.

The text came with a call to action to click the link to view a map.  

However, clicking links in texts like these could prompt the download of malware onto your device or lead to websites where you’re asked to enter personal information.

The Better Business Bureau is warning people to be on the lookout for similar texts. Another warning sign is texts requesting users to pay with prepaid debit cards, gift cards, a digital wallet app or a wire transfer.

Legitimate companies will often only accept a check or credit card. 

If you’re ever uncertain about a text, do not reply. Instead, reach out to your company’s customer service line directly.

If you learn the text is a scam, block the number and erase the message.