2022)—BBB serving Southwest Louisiana, after receiving numerous call this week, is warning consumers of scammers impersonating local utility companies. This is an ongoing issue where bad players frequently impersonate water, electric, and gas company representatives. This scam is most common in the summer months when people are experiencing higher utility bills and would be in fear of having utilities turned off.
How the Scam Works
Residents and businesses are receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to be from a local electric company. The scammer informs you that payment is overdue and the utility will be shut off if you don’t pay immediately.
According to a local business owner that received this scam call, the scammer stated the business owner was two months overdue
on their bill and instructed them to make a payment of $2100 via Bitcoin (a form of cryptocurrency that works similarly to wire
transfer) or the power would be disconnected. The business stated that the call came from an 800 number and when you called
the number back, they answered as Entergy.
Unfortunately, many people fall for this scam which is why scammers continue to impersonate utility representatives. BBB shares tips to help you spot and protect yourself from this scam
Tips to Spot This Scam
• Prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency and wire transfers are a red flag. If a caller specifically asks you to pay by any of these
methods is a huge warning sign. Your utility company will accept a check or credit card.
• Pressure to pay immediately. Scammers will press for immediate payment and may try to intimidate you into giving them your
personal and banking information.
Protect Yourself Against This Scam
• Call customer service. If you feel pressured for immediate action by a caller, hang up the phone and call the customer service
number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative. Never give your personal or banking
information to an unverified or unsolicited caller.
• Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. Also, ask utility
employees for proper identification before letting them enter.
We encourage consumers to report the scam on BBB’s Scam Tracker at
Original source can be found here.
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