Entergy Arkansas warning customers about new meter scam

LITTLE ROCK -- Entergy Arkansas is warning its customers about a new meter scam.

"An Entergy Arkansas customer received a phone call June 26 from a number her caller ID said was Entergy. It wasn't. The caller said the customer needed to go to Walgreens and put $398.62 on a GoBank card, then tell them the code on the card before Entergy could install her new meter," the utility said in a news release.

"This is a scam. Entergy will NEVER ask for any form of payment before installing a meter," it said.

Before Entergy installs a new meter, it will share either a mailed or emailed letter with detailed questions and answers about what to expect during the meter upgrade. Another notification will be sent a few weeks prior to the scheduled installation. Before beginning installation, the installer will knock on the customer's door so they can be prepared and informed about the process. Installers will have a badged I.D., uniform and automobile cling displaying the Entergy logo.

"As a reminder, here's another common scam to be on the lookout for: Scammers call the customer directly, pretending to be an Entergy employee. Scammers threaten to disconnect the customer's electrical services if instant payment on a past-due bill isn't received. They then direct the customer to transfer funds electronically, sometimes through money wiring systems or prepaid cards such as MoneyPak or GoBank. In recent instances, callers have even started demanding immediate payment over the phone," the release said.

"The callers often use sophisticated spoofing technology to replicate the local utility's name and number on the customer's caller ID, making it particularly difficult for the customer to spot this scam," it said.

If a call sounds suspicious, hang up and call 800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749) to speak directly with an Entergy customer service representative.

"If you believe you are a victim of this scam, notify the proper authorities, such as the local police or the state attorney general's office," the release said.

Visit http://www.entergy.com/scams for more information.

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