Entergy Reminds Customers to Watch Out for Utility Bill Scam

11/02/2016

CONTACT

Michael Burns
(504) 576-4132
mburns@entergy.com

Charlotte J. Cavell
(504) 576-4132
ccavell@entergy.com

Scammers getting more aggressive in ongoing efforts to target unsuspecting customers

NEW ORLEANS – Scammers never stop, no matter what time of year it is. And Entergy reminds you to be wary, as scammers are getting more aggressive in their ongoing efforts to target unsuspecting customers.

The scheme typically occurs when the con artist calls and tells you that your electric bill payment is past due, and that your service will be disconnected if payment isn’t made. Although the scam can differ, frequently the scammer directs you to transfer funds electronically, sometimes through “MoneyPak,” “Green Dot or another third-party card or transfer system.

How can you protect yourself from falling victim to this national utility scam?

While you may pay your Entergy bill by phone or credit card, it is ONLY through BillMatrix, a third-party vendor Entergy uses for this purpose.
You should never give your personal information to strangers. If a call sounds suspicious, call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with an Entergy customer service representative.
Also, you can manage your Entergy account and review account alert options to stay better informed by downloading the free Entergy smartphone app or visiting entergy.com to register for myAccount.
You should only use authorized methods and legitimate banking information to pay your Entergy bill. We offer several convenient ways:
- Pay online – For no additional charge, you may securely log in to myAccount at entergy.com to conveniently pay your bill online.
- Pay by phone – You may pay your bill by credit card, debit card or electronic check by calling Entergy’s pay-by-phone provider, BillMatrix, at 1-800-584-1241. BillMatrix charges a $2.95 service fee.
- Walk-in payment centers – Want to pay in person? You may pay your bill by cash, check or money order at an authorized Quick Payment Center in your community, or at one of the two Entergy Customer Care Centers in New Orleans. A convenience fee may apply.
- Bank draft – You can avoid late fees by having your Entergy payment automatically deducted from your checking account each month. Entergy will mail a monthly billing statement to you for your records, showing the bill amount and bank draft date.
- Pay by mail – You can send a check by U.S. Mail to the remittance address shown on your bill.

If you believe you’re a victim of this scam, you should notify the proper authorities, such as the local police or the state attorney general’s office. If you believe your Entergy account has been affected, call 1-800-ENTERGY (1‑800‑368‑3749) to speak with an Entergy customer service representative.

Entergy Louisiana provides electric service to more than 1 million customers and natural gas service to nearly 93,000 customers in the greater Baton Rouge area. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the company is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility that serves Louisiana’s Orleans Parish. The company provides electricity to more than 198,000 customers and natural gas to more than 106,000 customers. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11.5 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

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