CAMDEN — A well worn phone scam is making its way around Ouachita County and residents are advised to be wary.
A post on the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page states, ” The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department has received several calls this afternoon regarding a scam. Callers state that they are being contacted by scammers disguised as Entergy Employees stating that they are going to disconnect their power unless payment is made immediately.
“No utility demands immediate payment from customers over the phone. If a call sounds suspicious, HANG UP and call 1-800-ENTERGY to speak directly with an Entergy customer service representative.”
Entergy.com states, “What to do if you suspect a scam
• If the suspected scammer is present and you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911 as soon as possible.
• Contact Entergy by calling 1-800-ENTERGY to speak with a company customer service representative.
• Inform your bank or financial institution, who may then direct you to other protective measures.
The site states a common scam involves customers receiving a call and then being threatened with a disconnect notice. Often the scammers demand instant payment through money wiring or prepaid cards. The callers use spoofing software to falsify local utilities name and number on the customer’s caller ID box,
Entergy recommends hanging up and calling 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak directly with an Entergy customer service representative.
How to safely pay your Entergy bill
You should only use authorized methods and legitimate banking information to pay your Entergy bill. We offer several convenient ways:
• Pay online: myAccount. For no additional charge, conveniently pay your bill online by electronic check. Log in securely to myAccount to view and pay your bills.
• Pay by phone: Pay your bill by credit card, debit card or electronic check by calling 1-800-584-1241. BillMatrix, our pay-by-phone provider, will charge a $2.95 service fee. BillMatrix is the only authorized credit card vendor authorized to process these types of payments.
• Pay by credit/debit card: Pay your bill with a credit card, debit card or electronic check by phone (1-800-584-1241) or through the BillMatrix website, for a $2.95 service fee.
• Walk-in payment centers: Pay your 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 (New Orleans only).
• Auto pay bank draft: Automatically deduct your bill payment from your checking account each month. We’ll mail a monthly billing statement to you for your records, showing the bill amount and bank draft date.
• Pay by mail: Send check by U.S. mail to the remittance address shown on your bill.