Utility imposter scams: How to spot the signs during severe weather events

Utility imposters will stop at nothing to steal your money and personal information. Nothing’s off limits – even using severe weather events as opportunities to scam you when you’re least expecting it.

Criminals posing as Entergy representatives know severe weather can lead to power outages and rolling blackouts that leave you vulnerable and distracted, making you a prime target for their devious ploys. And, unfortunately, their tactics can be elusive and convincing.

Thankfully, knowledge is a powerful tool to protect yourself and your loved ones from utility imposter scams. Remember these tips to bolster your scam awareness.

If it’s too good to be true, it probably is

In the wake of severe weather incidents, scammers masquerading as Entergy representatives sometimes offer to restore your power before anyone else for an immediate upfront payment. This is a scam.

Entergy never demands or accepts payment to reconnect your power. If you suspect an in-person scammer and feel threatened, call 911 as soon as possible. Then contact Entergy to speak with a customer service representative.  

Click with caution

Criminals posing as Entergy representatives often use fraudulent text and email messages to prompt you to click phony links. Following recent severe weather events, some Entergy customers unwittingly clicked bogus links under the impression they’d receive updates on power delivery and restoration. Instead, they unknowingly put themselves at risk of/for downloading malicious software intended to infect their devices or direct them to spoofed websites.

As a rule of thumb, do not click links within – or respond to – text messages or emails unless you know and trust the sender. This is the most effective way to avoid text and email scams. And remember: Entergy will not text you unless you’ve signed up for our text notification service.

Scrutinize unsolicited messages

If an unsolicited text or email message contains uncharacteristic punctuation, spacing, spelling or grammatical errors, it could be a scam. Overusing and misusing capital letters and abbreviations are also tell-tale signs of potential scams. Ask yourself questions like:

• Is this message consistent with previous communications I’ve received from Entergy?
• Does this message strike me as incoherent or concerning?

If you’re in doubt, stop what you’re doing and contact Entergy directly to verify the message’s legitimacy.  

Beware of bogus phone numbers

Phone scammers can manipulate caller ID displays to mask their calls as trustworthy. Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do respond, and a call seems suspicious, hang up and contact Entergy directly.

Remember, Entergy representatives never request or demand sensitive information like credit card numbers by phone. For a list of our official communications channels, visit https://www.entergy.com/contact-us.

Spread scam awareness

Scammers don’t relent, and neither should you. Reporting suspicious and criminal activities to the proper authorities is vital for tracking, intercepting and spreading awareness about new and evolving scams.

Teach your neighbors, family members and communities about common scams so they can protect themselves, too. For additional educational resources, visit: entergy.com/scams.