Scammers targeting utility customers

Scammers targeting utility customers

Hot summer months lead to calls from rip- off artists

ralphhardin@gmail.com Entergy Arkansas is warning its customers to be wary of suspicious calls concerning their bills.

As has become the norm, scam artists are targeting utility customers across the nation, ramping up their efforts during the hot summer months. Scammers attempt to squeeze both residential and commercial customers with empty but convincing threats to disconnect their service.

“Scammers prey on the public by misrepresenting themselves as the local utility company and suggesting to the victim that his or her lights will be shut off if they don’t pay their bill immediately,” said Matt Faries, a customer service representative with Entergy Arkansas. “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.”

Faires is hoping that customers will take precautions before handing over their personal and/or financial information, including helping to spread the word “Your support and influence are critical,” he cautioned. “You have the power to help us help protect our families, friends and communities we serve. Help us spread the word.”

Faires recommended shar- ing the warning on your social media “or in any other appropriate manner.”

He urged customers not to hesitate to contact Entergy customer service with questions or further information at (870) 739-5906.

West Memphis customers may also be potential victims of utility scammers.

To ensure the validity of a call about your bill, customers may call the West Memphis Utility Department at (870) 735-3355.

By Ralph Hardin