Scam preys on Entergy customers

via Moak: Scam preys on Entergy customers, clarionledger.com, 12/15/2015

As if the holidays were not already stressful enough, some Entergy customers have recently found themselves on the wrong end of scams, in which callers threaten to cut the power if immediate payment isn’t made. With cooler weather on the way, that’s alarming enough that it might make some people less careful than they would be otherwise.

I got an alert today from Entergy’s Mara Hartmann about the scam, which is targeting both residential and business customers. The con artist calls the customer to say payment is past-due and scheduled for disconnection within the hour. But if the customer makes an immediate payment through “Moneypak” or “Green Dot,” the crisis can be averted.

The only problem: Entergy doesn’t work that way.

“The scam artists targeting utility customers don’t take a holiday,” Hartmann said. “In fact, they appear to be ramping up their efforts to squeeze both residential and commercial customers with empty — but convincing threats — to disconnect their service during the holiday season.”

While Entergy customers are targeted this time, it also happens to customers of other electric utilities, gas and water companies. Here are a few things to remember:

• If you’re at risk for disconnection, Entergy may send you a recorded message to remind you of the situation. But they will never demand immediate payment over the phone. And it won’t be the first time you’ve heard from Entergy about the problem.
• Entergy does accept payments by phone or credit card, but payment will be made through BillMatrix (a third-party vendor), not via Moneypak, Green Dot or other service. Entergy and other utility companies also offer you several alternative ways to pay by phone, online or in person.
• Regardless of how convincing the caller may be, don’t give your personal information (or bank account information or Social Security number) to anyone who calls.

“Despite continued efforts to inform our customers, the scam is still very convincing because new technologies allow for local utility numbers to appear on the recipient’s caller ID box,” Hartmann noted. “Just remember — when in doubt, hang up the phone and call us directly at 1-800-ENTERGY (368-3749).”

If you believe you are a victim of this scam, notify the proper authorities, such as the local police or the state attorney general’s office.