MEMPHIS, TN (AP, abc24.com) - Both Memphis Light Gas and Water and Entergy Corp. are warning utility customers not to fall for a scam where people claim President Barack Obama is providing credits or payments toward bills.
Entergy says more than 2,000 of their customers, mainly in Louisiana but also in Texas, have been affected. No instances have been reported in Mississippi and Arkansas, but Entergy is alerting customers there. MLGW also sent out an alert to their customers, warning of the same scam, but did not state if any of their customers had been affected.
Customers are asked to provide personal information, such as social security numbers. Then the customer is given a fraudulent bank routing number with which to pay their bills.
Entergy said it's identifying affected customers by looking at electronic payments that didn't go through. Entergy spokeswoman Mara Hartman said the company is working to correct accounts and remove bad payment fees. She said no scammed customers will be disconnected.
MLGW asks that any of their customers that have fallen victim to this scam contact the utility company immediately at (901) 544-MLGW (6549).
