Mississippi officials warn of scam targeting utility customers

The Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) has alerted the public to a new scam targeting utility customers across the state. Scammers are impersonating PSC employees, claiming to collect bank account numbers to deposit refunds for alleged overcharges from utility companies.

The scam came to light on Thursday afternoon when a concerned citizen contacted the PSC, requesting to speak with a non-existent employee. The citizen reported that an individual had called her, posing as a PSC staff member and providing a fake badge number. The scammer claimed that a billing mistake had occurred with her utility company and that she was due a refund. Under the guise of facilitating this refund, the scammer obtained her bank account information.

Upon learning of this fraudulent activity, the PSC immediately advised the citizen to report the incident to her bank and to file a report with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. The PSC reiterated that they will never ask for bank account numbers over the phone.

The PSC urges anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately and contact their utility company directly to verify any account information.

For more information, please visit the PSC’s official website or contact their customer service line.