Consumer fraud reports reached a record high – $10 billion in losses – in 2023, according to the FTC. About 1 in 5 people lost money to imposter scammers, who claim to be someone they’re not to gain your trust. And while data for the entirety of 2024 is not available yet, trends from the first half of the year suggest losses are on track to surpass those of 2023.

“Utility imposters are always trying new and creative ways to take your money or obtain your personal information,” said Chris Peters, vice president and chief security officer at Entergy. “Don’t fall for it; please continue to be cautious and protect yourself and your families from scammers.”

Here are common scams and tips to protect yourself from them:

Caller ID scams and threats to disconnect
Scammers can manipulate your caller ID to disguise themselves as Entergy representatives, and oftentimes, they’ll demand personal information or make a threat to disconnect your service if you don’t provide payment immediately.

Remember, Entergy representatives will never demand immediate payment or cut off service without considerable warning. Do not share personal information – like your banking information or credit card number – with unsolicited callers.

Search engine scams
Watch out for fraudulent websites and phone numbers that look like ours when you search for them online. Always confirm that you are using our official website,Ěýentergy.com, and customer portal,Ěý, to conduct business.

QR code and barcode scams
Look out for text messages that appear authentic but are scams. In these scenarios, customers will receive what appears to be an automated text message requesting payment for a past due bill, along with a QR code or barcode that would route them to an unauthorized payment method. Again, do not fall for these scams and be sure to only use official Entergy channels for making payments.

In-person scams
Be cautious of unexpected visitors claiming false affiliations with Entergy. Entergy representatives at your doorstep will not rush you to sign up for any programs or services, especially without giving you time to review all terms and conditions.

“If you find a phone call, text message, email or door-to-door salesperson claiming to be someone from Entergy to be suspicious, please contact us directly,” said Jeremy Champlin, Entergy vice president of customer care.

Report activity to Entergy, your bank or financial institution and the proper authorities, which can include theĚýĚý´Ç°ůĚý. Document all details – such as receipts, names, websites, phone numbers or email addresses – associated with the crime.

Entergy is proud member ofĚý, a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations that are dedicated to combating utility imposter scams.

With the assistance of customer reports, UUAS has helped disconnect thousands of toll-free numbers that scammers used to target utility customers.

łŐľ±˛őľ±łŮĚýentergy.com/scamsĚýfor additional resources on new and evolving threats.

JACKSON, Miss. – Entergy Mississippi is joining Utilities United Against Scams to recognize the ninth annual Utility Scam Awareness Day on Wednesday, November 20. Utility Scam Awareness Day is an advocacy and awareness campaign focused on educating customers and exposing scammer tactics.ĚýĚý

For years, scammers have posed as utility workers and attempted to steal financial information or obtain immediate payment from customers by threatening service interruptions. This is known as a utility impostor scam.Ěý

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Anytime, anyone, anywhere.” Customers of all ages and demographics must stay vigilant against utility impostor scams. While advanced digital scam incidents have increased in recent years, in-person and telephone impostor scams are still frequently reported.Ěý

“Utility scams are increasingly sophisticated with fraudsters using phone, online and in-person tactics to target potential victims,” said Robbie Kemp, Entergy Mississippi vice president of customer service. “We urge customers to stay safe and remember that anyone can be susceptible to utility impostor scams.”Ěý

Entergy Mississippi is a member of UUAS, which continues to raise customer awareness of common scams and new scam tactics used by utility impostors. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has successfully helped to take more than 14,830 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation.ĚýĚý

“We encourage customers of all ages to stop and verify any unusual utility company requests before making a payment, regardless of whether the customer is contacted via phone, internet, or in person,” said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez. “While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone, and in person.”Ěý

As a reminder, utilities will never ask for payments using a pre-paid debit card, gift card, or cryptocurrencies, and they will provide multiple notices before any service interruptions are implemented.Ěý

Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud should call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749). Be sure to have all details and any supporting documents available to discuss the suspicious activity on your utility account with an Entergy representative. You should also contact the proper authorities, such as the local police, the state attorney general’s office, or

Visit entergy.com/scams for information and tips on how customers can protect themselves from impostor utility scams. Follow along with Entergy Mississippi on and and join the conversation by using Ěý

About Utilities United Against ScamsĚý

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) is a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations. UUAS is dedicated to combating impostor utility scams by providing a forum for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices, in addition to working together to implement initiatives to inform and protect customers.Ěý

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than , Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Mississippi, visit the and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.

For years, scammers have posed as utility workers and attempted to steal financial information or obtain immediate payment from customers by threatening service interruptions. This is known as a utility impostor scam.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Anytime, anyone, anywhere.” Customers of all ages and demographics must stay vigilant against utility impostor scams. While advanced digital scam incidents have increased in recent years, in-person and telephone impostor scams are still frequently reported.

“Utility scams are increasingly sophisticated with fraudsters using phone, online and in-person tactics to target potential victims,” said Nyka Scott, vice president of customer service at Entergy New Orleans. “We urge customers to stay safe and remember that anyone can be susceptible to utility impostor scams.”

Entergy New Orleans a member of UUAS, which continues to raise customer awareness of common scams and new scam tactics used by utility impostors. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has successfully helped to take more than 14,830 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation.

“We encourage customers of all ages to stop and verify any unusual utility company requests before making a payment, regardless of whether the customer is contacted via phone, internet, or in person,” said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez. “While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone, and in person.”

As a reminder, utilities will never ask for payments using a pre-paid debit card, gift card, or cryptocurrencies, and they will provide multiple notices before any service interruptions are implemented.

Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud should contact Entergy New Orleans by calling 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) Be sure to have all details and any supporting documents available to discuss the suspicious activity on your utility account with an Entergy representative. You should also contact the proper authorities, such as the local police, the state attorney general’s office, or .

Visit entergy.com/scams for information and tips on how customers can protect themselves from impostor utility scams. Follow along with Entergy New Orleans  on and and join the conversation by using .

About Utilities United Against Scams

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) is a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations. UUAS is dedicated to combating impostor utility scams by providing a forum for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices, in addition to working together to implement initiatives to inform and protect customers.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans, LLC provides electricity to approximately 208,000 customers and natural gas to approximately 109,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy New Orleans, visit the and connect with @EntergyNOLA on social media.

For years, scammers have posed as utility workers and attempted to steal financial information or obtain immediate payment from customers by threatening service interruptions. These utility impostor scams represent real financial loss for customers. In 2023, the Better Business Bureau that the median loss to customers who fell victim to utility scams as $463. To avoid losses, customers are encouraged to be familiar with the most common impostor utility scams.

Disconnection deception

Scammers call threatening disconnection of your utility service, demanding immediate payment by prepaid cards purchased at a local retail store (or credit card, debit card, bank draft, wiring money, etc.), and insisting you call them back with the card information to make payment. Entergy will send you one or more disconnection notices in the mail before disconnecting or shutting off your utility service, and we offer several bill without specifying the type of payment you need to make.

Bill payment or credit con

Scammers may provide you with a phony account routing number for you to use to pay your utility bills, receive a credit, or obtain federal assistance. In exchange for personal information that can be used for identity theft, you may get a payment account number. If the number is entered during an online transaction, it may appear that your bill is paid, but no funds are actually paid to the utility, the account balance remains due, and you may be charged a returned payment fee by your utility.

Equipment or repair bogus fee

Scammers call demanding a separate payment to replace or install a utility-related device or meter. If a utility needs to upgrade or replace a piece of equipment, Entergy will contact you ahead of time as a courtesy. If there is a charge related to work on equipment you might own, it will typically be included in your monthly bill.

Overpayment trick

Scammers call claiming you have overpaid your utility bill, and you need to provide personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund. Entergy will usually apply any overpayments you have made to your utility account, allowing the credit balance to cover any future charges, or refund any overpayment by mailing a check.

Power restoration rip off

Scammers call offering to restore power quickly or in a preferential order for immediate payment or an upfront “reconnection fee,” typically in the aftermath of hurricanes and other severe storms causing widespread power outages. Entergy does not require payment to restore electricity after a natural disaster or other related outage.

Going phishing with smishing, vishing and quishing scams

Phishing occurs when scammers send potential victims an email to convince the recipient to transfer money, send a password or provide other personal data. While customers have learned to open emails with caution, they may not be familiar with the latest versions of these phishing attempts.

Smishing, short for SMS phishing, attempts to trick mobile phone users into giving scammers personal information, which can be used for identity theft, via a text or SMS message. Scammers like smishing, as consumers tend to be more inclined to trust text messages. Utility companies typically do not text you unless you have signed up for a specific notification service offered by your utility.

Vishing, or voice phishing, is a type of phishing attack where scammers use phone calls to trick individuals into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be a legitimate entity. This type of scam can be executed by real humans or via pre-recorded robocalls.

Quishing, or QR code phishing, is a relatively new scam where fraudsters have covered legitimate QR codes with their own to guide users to websites designed to steal personal information. For utility customers, if you are presented with a QR code in situations where payment is being requested always exercise caution and make sure you are using only Entergy-approved to complete transactions.

Contractor con

Scammers posing as utility workers or contractors affiliated with Entergy may knock on your door claiming to be employed or hired by us to reset, repair, replace, or inspect your utility meter or other utility-related device. If a utility employee or authorized contractor needs access to your home, an appointment will be scheduled in advance, and proper identification will be provided for your review.

Home improvement huckster

Scammers posing as utility workers may appear unannounced at your front door offering a free energy audit, efficiency inspection, or some other service. While Entergy does offer these types of programs to customers, these unsolicited intruders may be pitching unnecessary expensive products or attempting to steal items from you. Unless your Entergy has notified you in advance, or you initiated a request for such a service, exercise caution and do not let them into your home or business without verifying their identity.

Solar scammers

If you’re interested in solar panels, be careful when evaluating installation offers. Scammers use misleading sales tactics to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. There are reputable solar companies and contractors out there, but before accepting an unsolicited offer from a door-to-door salesperson, you should investigate the facts. Entergy does not partner with third-party solar companies for at-home solar solutions. While some Entergy contractors do perform solar work, they are prohibited from using their affiliation with Entergy to solicit solar business. Verify a salesperson’s identity by asking to see their badge or call us atĚý1-800-ENTERGYĚý(1-800-368-3749) to speak with a customer service representative.

Bogus bills

Scammers send suspicious emails that appear to be a bill sent by your utility company, potentially featuring your utility’s logo and color scheme. Do not click on any links or attachments in any email unless you have verified the sender. You may be directed to a scam website designed to steal your personal information, or you might install malicious software onto your computer without ever knowing it. Utility companies typically send bills by mail, unless you have opted to receive your bill by email.

How to safely pay your Entergy bill

Customers should only use the following Entergy-approved payment methods with valid and authorized banking information to pay their bills:

• Pay online (no fee) – For no additional charge, conveniently pay your bill online by electronic check. Log in securely toĚý to view and pay your bills.
• Pay by phone (fee) – Pay your bill by phone using a bank account, credit or debit card by callingĚý1-800-ENTERGYĚý(1-800-368-3749) or calling SpeedPay directly atĚý1-888-822-0553. Our pay-by-phone provider will charge a $2.50 convenience fee with Speedpay. Speedpay is the only credit card or debit card vendors authorized to process these payments over the phone.
• Pay by credit/debit card (fee) – There are currently four approved options to pay your utility bill with a credit card or debit card.
  • Pay onlinethrough our authorized credit or debit card vendor, Speedpay, for a $1.60 convenience fee. Access these sites by visiting to ensure secure payment options.
  • Pay by moBills^TMĚýthrough your smartphone’s native wallet with Speedpay for a $1.60 convenience fee.
  • Pay by TextĚýfor with your mobile phone with Speedpay for a $1.60 convenience fee. Receive a text message notification on your cell phone when your bill is ready. Simply reply to the text to pay your bill.
  • Pay by phoneĚýthrough Speeday with a $2.50 convenience fee by calling 1-800-ENTERGYĚý(1-800-368-3749).
• Walk-in payment centersĚý– Pay your utility bill in person with cash, check or money order at one of the authorized Quick Payment Centers in your community. A convenience fee may apply.
• Auto payĚý– Avoid late fees, writing checks and paying for postage by having your bill automatically deduct from your bank account when you enroll in AutoPay. We’ll provide a monthly billing statement to you for your records, showing the usage, bill amount and due date.
• Pay by mailĚý– Simply mail in your monthly payment in the envelope provided with your bill. It’s fast, easy and one stamp is all it takes for your payment to reach us. Please note, you may see delays in payment processing through this option due. To reduce delays, always provide your Entergy bill stub with your check payment in the courtesy envelope provided.

Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud should contact Entergy by calling 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) Be sure to have all details and any supporting documents available to discuss the suspicious activity on your utility account with an Entergy representative. You should also contact the proper authorities, such as the local police, the state attorney general’s office, or

Visit entergy.com/scams for information and tips on how you can protect yourself from impostor utility scams.

Atmospheric and oceanic conditions have set the stage for an extremely active hurricane season that could rank among the busiest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. When severe weather strikes, it can bring out the best in people.

Unfortunately, storms also attract utility imposter scammers who pretend to be Entergy representatives so they can steal your money or identity. These criminals know the hardships power outages cause, especially in the scorching heat, and they aren’t afraid to exploit them.

While new scams emerge every day, you can protect yourself by knowing the risks and staying alert for warning signs. Here are four tips to help you stop scammers looking to make a profit from storm-related power outages.

Be wary of “reconnection” fees after weather-related disconnections

After a storm strikes, Entergy imposters may cold-call you and offer to restore your power for a fee. This is a scam. We do not accept or require money to reconnect our customers’ electric service after weather-related disconnections.

“Hang up the phone if someone demands money to restore your power following an inclement weather event,” said Yovanka Daniel, vice president, contact center operations at Entergy. “Report the interaction by calling us directly.”

Be cautious of suspicious links and attachments

Scammers may send you emails or texts that appear to provide storm restoration updates from Entergy. Click with caution because interacting with malicious messages can take you to scammers’ websites or give them access to your device.

“Don’t click links or open attachments from senders you don’t know and trust,” said Daniel. “If you have doubts about a text or email, contact us directly to discuss your concerns. Never call a phone number from the message you’re unsure about.”

Don’t forget to watch out for in-person scams

In the wake of a storm, Entergy imposters may knock on your door and coerce you to give them your account details, money or access to your home. To protect yourself, always remain cautious of your surroundings and ask for identification.

“If someone knocks on your door and you don’t know who they are, remember you don’t have to open your door,” said Daniel. “If you feel unsure or uncomfortable, shut the door and contact us directly to report your concerns.”

Report suspicious communications

Scammers know how valuable your personal and financial information is — and they’ll do or say almost anything to get it. If you think you see a scam, report it to Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) and the Federal Trade Commission at .

Your report could help the FTC stop a scammer and protect other consumers from scams. For more information, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s and pages.

Visit entergy.com/scams for additional scam prevention resources.

If you’re interested in solar panels, be careful when evaluating installation offers. Scammers use misleading sales tactics to trick homeowners out of money and personal information.

There are reputable solar companies and contractors. But before accepting an unsolicited offer from a door-to-door salesperson, you should investigate the facts.

Protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs.

Scam: A solar salesperson claims they represent Entergy.

The truth: Entergy does not partner with third-party solar companies for at-home solar solutions. While some Entergy contractors do perform solar work, they are prohibited from using their affiliation with Entergy to solicit solar business. Verify a salesperson’s identity by asking to see their badge or call us at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with a customer service representative.

Scam: A solar salesperson insists that you sign a contract on the spot.

The truth: Entergy representatives will not attempt to sell you solar panels. They will also never pressure you to sign up for any programs and services. If you feel rushed or uneasy, end the interaction and contact us directly to speak with a customer service representative.

Scam: A solar salesperson claims you will never pay an electricity bill again after installing a solar system.

The truth: Entergy customers will still receive electric bills after installing solar panels. Electric bills for customers with solar panels depend on several factors, like local weather conditions and the amount of electricity you use. If energy consumption exceeds solar generation, particularly at night or on cloudy days, customers with solar panels will draw electricity from the Entergy power grid.

Protect yourself from in-person scammers:

• Do not invite strangers into your home.
• Be especially cautious if you’re home alone.
• Remember you have the right to refuse to open your door.
• Do not sign a contract on the spot.
• Call 911 if you believe you’re in danger.

If you suspect a door-to-door scammer:

• End the interaction by shutting your door.
• Document all details from the interaction.
• Notify Entergy by calling 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749).
• Warn your neighbors, friends and family.

If you fall victim to a scam, notify your bank or financial institution and the proper authorities, such as the  o°ů .

Your safety is our priority. Visit entergy.com/scams for additional resources.

Net metering, when done correctly, can offer a legitimate billing arrangement that allows individuals or businesses the ability to offset part or all of their load with a private renewable facility.Ěý Net metering also enables customers to be compensated for electricity produced by those facilities that is not utilized by the customer and is fed back to utility. Please be aware, however, that some scammers may try to take advantage of customers interested in net metering by using dishonest tactics intended to push customers into less than desirable financing arrangements. For example, a very elderly customer could be sold a net metering system with long-term financing obligations that can’t be met.

Know Your Rights.

You should know that Arkansas legislators overhauled net metering laws last year by passing Act 278 during its 94^thĚýGeneral Assembly. Under the current law, net metering is available to customers whose net metering facilitiesĚý.ĚýĚýprovides protections for customers, including current and potential net metering customers, and helps to mitigate some of the cost-shifting and ensure fairness to all customers. Net metering developers are required by law to give you certain information that is essential to help you make an informed decision. In particular, you may independently confirm any representations a developer is making to you about how net metering will affect your monthly electric bill.ĚýĚý

Most Arkansans have until Sept. 30, 2024, to install solar panels and retain the current net metering 1:1 rate structure. As this deadline approaches, many customers could be exposed to scams that may take advantage of customers feeling pressured to make a decision quickly. Entergy Arkansas wants to help customers watch out for potential scams:

Scam: A salesperson claims they represent or “are working with” Entergy Arkansas.

The truth: Entergy Arkansas doesĚýnotĚýpartner with third-party solar companies for at-home solar solutions. (Some of the authorized trade allies we do partner with to provide home energy-saving products and services may also perform solar work, but they are prohibited from using their affiliation with Entergy Arkansas to solicit solar business.) If any salespeople come to your home claiming affiliations with Entergy Arkansas, you may verify they are legitimate by asking for their Entergy identification or calling 1-800-ENTERGY.Ěý However, again, if they are attempting to sell you a net metering facility, they areĚýnotĚýaffiliated with Entergy Arkansas for that sale in any way.Ěý

Scam: A salesperson insists that you sign a contract on the spot.

The truth: Customers should review theĚýĚýin Act 278, which include protections that allow a prospective net metering customer to have a minimum of five business days to evaluate a proposal.Ěý Additionally, the protections provide for an energy efficiency audit to be performed on the potential net metering customer’s premises, and an entity selling a net metering facility must demonstrate to you that the proposed net metering facility meets all applicable safety requirements and standards. If these and other requirements are not met, customers should contact theĚýĚýwho has enforcement authority.

Scam: A salesperson claims you will never pay an electricity bill again after installing solar.

The truth: You will still receive electric bills after installing solar panels in large part because a net metering facility still relies on and uses the equipment that Entergy Arkansas uses to provide electric service to your premise. Electric bills for customers with solar panels can depend on several factors, like local weather conditions and the amount of electricity you use. For example, during periods of low renewable energy generation, such as at night or during cloudy weather, net metering customers still draw electricity from the grid. The meter then tracks this consumption. The consumer is billed for their energy use that is not offset by the solar. If the goal is to reduce your electric bill, energy efficiency measures may be a cost-effective way to achieve that goal.

Scam: A salesperson claims everyone will soon be required have to have solar installed on their roofs within a few years, so you should get ahead of the game.

The truth: There is absolutely no requirement of this sort. There is no law in Arkansas that requires anyone to net meter or to install solar panels (or any other kind of power generation) on their houses or real estate.

Scam: A salesperson claims you will not pay anything for solar, which pays for itself.

The truth: A net metering system may come with a lengthy financing arrangement. You may consider carefully scrutinizing any financial arrangement proposed to you and read the fine print and seek help in doing so from an independent party not affiliated with the person selling you the net metering facility. It is possible that someone may be attempting to create an arrangement that puts a lien on your home or in a financing arrangement with sub-par rates. As with any major financing decision, take your time and refuse to make any “on the spot” commitment.

Protect yourself from in-person scammers with these tips:

• Do not invite strangers into your home.
• Be especially cautious if you’re home alone.
• Remember you have the right to refuse to open your door.
• Do not sign a contract on the spot.
• Call 911 if you feel you’re in danger.
• If it feels like a scam, report it to the Arkansas Attorney General’s office.

Entergy ArkansasĚýneverĚýcalls or visits you demanding that you pay your bills on the spot to prevent your electricity from being cut off. If in doubt, call Entergy Arkansas directly at the number provided on your bill and check on the status of your account.

While some Entergy Arkansas energy efficiency contractors go door-to-door to promote energy efficiency tools, they areĚýneverĚýauthorized to try to sell you solar panels and are never working with Entergy Arkansas where they may be trying to do so.Ěý If you think this is occurring, it may likely be a scam, and we ask that you please report them to us. Entergy Arkansas representatives are required to carry official credentials, like branded uniforms and badges. If we need to access your property to provide electric service, Entergy Arkansas will attempt to call you or provide written notice. You can always contact us directly to verify whether an Entergy Arkansas service representative should be on-site.

Report scam activity to Entergy Arkansas, your bank or financial institution and the proper authorities, including theĚýĚý´Ç°ůĚý. Document all details, such as receipts, names, websites, phone numbers or email addresses, associated with the crime.

Your safety is our priority. łŐľ±˛őľ±łŮĚýentergy.com/scamsĚýfor additional resources on new and evolving threats.

Consumer fraud reports reached a record high – $10 billion in losses – in 2023, according to the FTC. AboutĚýĚýlost money to imposter scammers, who claim to be someone they’re not to gain your trust.ĚýThese criminals approach consumers through a variety of methods, including phone calls, texts, emails and in-person visits.

“Utility imposters continue to impersonate Entergy representatives in an attempt to obtain our customers’ money or personal information,” said Chris Peters, vice president and chief security officer at Entergy. “We urge you to always exercise caution to protect yourself from scammers.”

Here are four common scams and tips to protect yourself from them:

• Caller ID scams:ĚýDon’t rely on caller ID; criminals can falsify it to disguise themselves as Entergy representatives. Do not share personal information with unsolicited callers, and always confirm an unknown caller’s identity throughĚýindependent verification.
• In-person scams:ĚýBe cautious of unexpected visitors claiming false affiliations with Entergy. Entergy representatives at your doorstep will not rush you to sign up for any programs or services, especially without giving you time to review all terms and conditions.
• Search engine scams:ĚýWatch out for fraudulent websites and phone numbers that look like ours when you search for them online. Always confirm that you are using our official website,Ěýentergy.com, and our official customer portal,Ěý, to conduct business.
• Threats to disconnect:ĚýBeware of threats to disconnect your utility service if you don’t provide immediate payment. Entergy representatives never demand immediate payment or cut off service without considerable advance warning.

“Hang up, shut your door or delete the message if you suspect someone is trying to scam you,” said Yovanka Daniel, vice president of contact center operations at Entergy. “After that, contact us directly to verify the authenticity of the phone call, message or in-person visit. Never use the call-back number a potential scammer gives you.”

Report scam activity to Entergy, your bank or financial institution and the proper authorities, which can include theĚý o°ů . Document all details,Ěýsuch as receipts, names, websites, phone numbers or email addresses,Ěýassociated with the crime.

Entergy is proud member ofĚý, a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations that are dedicated to combating utility imposter scams. With the assistance of customer reports, UUAS has helped disconnect more than 14,020 toll-free numbers that scammers used to target utility customers.

Entergy is pleased to recognizeĚý, a Federal Trade Commission awareness campaign to help customers identify, avoid and report scams.

Consumer fraud reports reached a record high – $10 billion in losses – in 2023, according to the FTC. About lost money to imposter scammers, who claim to be someone they’re not to gain your trust.ĚýThese criminals approach consumers through a variety of methods, including phone calls, texts, emails and in-person visits.

“Utility imposters continue to impersonate Entergy representatives in an attempt to obtain our customers’ money or personal information,” said Chris Peters, vice president and chief security officer at Entergy. “We urge you to always exercise caution to protect yourself from scammers.”

Here are four common scams and tips to protect yourself from them:

• Caller ID scams: Don’t rely on caller ID; criminals can falsify it to disguise themselves as Entergy representatives. Do not share personal information with unsolicited callers, and always confirm an unknown caller’s identity throughĚýindependent verification.
• In-person scams: Be cautious of unexpected visitors claiming false affiliations with Entergy. Entergy representatives at your doorstep will not rush you to sign up for any programs or services, especially without giving you time to review all terms and conditions.
• Search engine scams: Watch out for fraudulent websites and phone numbers that look like ours when you search for them online. Always confirm that you are using our official website,Ěýentergy.com, and our official customer portal, , to conduct business.
• Threats to disconnect: Beware of threats to disconnect your utility service if you don’t provide immediate payment. Entergy representatives never demand immediate payment or cut off service without considerable advance warning.

“Hang up, shut your door or delete the message if you suspect someone is trying to scam you,” said Yovanka Daniel, vice president of contact center operations at Entergy. “After that, contact us directly to verify the authenticity of the phone call, message or in-person visit. Never use the call-back number a potential scammer gives you.”

Report scam activity to EntergyĚýby calling 1-800-ENTERGYĚý(1-800-368-3749). You should also notify your bank or financial institution and the proper authorities, which can include the  o°ů . Document all details,Ěýsuch as receipts, names, websites, phone numbers or email addresses,Ěýassociated with the crime.

Entergy is proud member of , a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations that are dedicated to combating utility imposter scams. With the assistance of customer reports, UUAS has helped disconnect more than 14,020 toll-free numbers that scammers used to target utility customers.

Visit entergy.com/scams for additional resources on new and evolving threats.