Florida Power & Light (FPL) has issued a warning regarding a surge in fraudulent phone calls utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These calls impersonate representatives from the electric company with the intent to scam customers in South Florida.
As reported by Local 10 News, these voicemails are not from actual people but are crafted using AI to sound convincing, taking advantage of those who routinely pay their electric bills automatically.
One of the deceptive messages flagged by FPL states: "The state of Florida has recently changed its efficiency standards. Your home has been selected for an energy compliance review."
Another message falsely introduces itself: "Hi, I'm Will from the compliance department at Florida Power and Light."
Scammers lure victims with promises of non-existent benefits, claiming: "You could receive up to $3,000 in energy rebates and possibly a new air conditioning unit at no cost."
The true aim of these calls is to extract personal information from customers and demand fraudulent payments, as confirmed by the company.
FPL's Previous Warnings and Customer Guidance
This is not the first instance of FPL alerting the public to this type of scam.
On February 18, the company posted a warning on its Facebook page about scams involving false air conditioning updates, where criminals pressured customers to upgrade their equipment immediately or face additional charges on their bills.
In that warning, FPL made it clear: "We never require our customers to update their air conditioner to avoid extra charges." The company even shared a screenshot of a fraudulent voicemail from a Boca Raton number received on January 30, 2026.
FPL emphasizes that it never requests payment through unauthorized methods such as prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo to prevent disconnection.
Furthermore, it does not conduct energy efficiency surveys over the phone; their technicians visit customers only upon request and after scheduling an appointment.
FPL advises that if you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and contact the company only via the number listed on your bill or by visiting FPL.com/Protect to learn how to safeguard against scam attempts.
The Broader Impact of AI-Fueled Scams
This phenomenon is part of a disturbing trend: social media scams resulted in $2.1 billion in losses in the United States in 2025, an eightfold increase from the $261 million recorded in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Globally, AI-driven scams surged by 1,210% in 2025, with projected losses reaching up to $40 billion by 2027, based on Vectra AI data.
In Florida, the FBI's Miami office reported 1,579 instances of impersonation of federal agents, leading to losses exceeding $12 million.
In April, the Social Security Administration cautioned about fraudulent emails employing AI to enhance the persuasiveness of their communications.
Preventing AI-Generated Scams: Key Questions and Answers
How can I identify an AI-generated scam call from FPL?
AI-generated scam calls may sound highly convincing but often promise unrealistic benefits, such as large energy rebates or free equipment. If you receive such a call, hang up and verify using the contact information on your bill.
What should I do if I suspect a scam call?
If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and contact FPL directly using the official number on your bill to report the incident and get guidance.
Does FPL conduct phone surveys or request payments via unconventional methods?
No, FPL does not conduct energy efficiency surveys over the phone nor does it request payments through prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, or apps like Zelle or Venmo. Always verify with the official contact channels.
What are the broader implications of AI-driven scams?
AI-driven scams are part of a larger trend of increasing fraud, with significant financial losses worldwide. It's crucial to stay informed and cautious to protect personal information and finances.