JACKSON — Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley warned consumers to be on guard against scammers that have been targeting Mississippi utility customers.
Victims of the scam report receiving a call from a person claiming that they are from the utility company and that the customer’s service will be disconnected if an overdue balance is not immediately paid. In one consumer complaint received by Presley’s office, an Entergy Mississippi customer paid over $1,000 to a man threatening to cut off power, despite his belief that his account was current.
“If you receive a call from a person claiming to represent your utility and you question what they are telling you, hang up and call the utility back on their public phone number to verify, or check your account online to review your statement. If you believe you are being targeted by this scam, report it immediately,” Presley said.
Presley verified details of the scam with utility officials. He cautions the perpetrators of the scam that complaints received by the Public Service Commission will be shared with the Office of the Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.
Customers who believe they are being targeted by this scam may file their complaint with Presley’s office at 1-800-356-6428 or with the Office of the Attorney General at 1800-281-4418.
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