374,000 Duke Energy customers potentially affected by data breach

Duke Energy customers are some of the many affected by a possible security breach announced by a payment processing company owned by PayPal.

The energy company has indefinitely suspended its in-person payment services as it looks for a permanent solution to security concerns, Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier said in an email.

Mosier said the energy company works with Global Express, a subsidiary of TIO Networks, to process its in-person payments. Late last week, TIO Networks announced hackers had potentially stolen personally identifiable information.

Of the 1.6 million people affected, about 374,000 were Duke energy customers, Mosier said.

"We are doing all we can to help," Mosier said. "This issue is broader than Duke Energy and affects the customers of any company who used the Global Express network for payment processing."

Duke Energy Carolinas customers can still make payments over the phone, by check or by credit card. Bills can also be paid at any Western Union location.