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Customers, please beware of text messages that appear to be from Entergy demanding money from you. This is a new version of an old scam, previously done with phone calls, that’s been going on for years. Text-based scams are called “smishing.”

The messages look like they could be legit because the scammers have the target customer’s name and address. In some cases, they even provide the name or title of someone who is supposedly an Entergy employee – making the text look even more official.

Please remember this: If the text is demanding immediate payment under threat of disconnecting service, it is NOT Entergy. It’s a scam. Do not send them money.

If you are uncertain about the status of your Entergy account, please check it online or give us a call at 1-800-ENTERGY.

If you get a suspicious text, look for red flags identifying it as a scam: misspelled words; bad punctuation; random capitalizations; references to the “legal department,” and a threat of disconnection if the money isn’t paid virtually immediately.

The message directs the customer to call a number with a local area code. The target is then directed to purchase a prepaid money transfer card, then provide the scammer with the account number on the card, often via a screen shot of the back of the card.

What to do

• Refuse to take the bait – if you’re in doubt the safest action is to take no action.
• Always be suspicious of urgent requests for action, such as security alerts or “you-must-act-now” coupon redemptions, offers or deals.
• Always verify the sender is who they say they are through a trusted source, such as a phone number obtained by you going to the company’s website independently.
• Never click a reply link or phone number in a text message you’re not sure about.
• Always be suspicious of any text that contains a request for money.