Cleco - July 21, 2021

KANE 1240 AM

Fran Phoenix talks utility scams on this weeks Cleco conversation. • We want customers to be on alert and know the signs to protect themselves. • Scams include fraudulent phone calls, text messages and emails. There also are in-person scams in which scammers pose as representatives of Cleco. • Of all the various types of scams, the most common is a fraudulent phone call. Scammers call our customers claiming to be from Cleco and then threaten to disconnect their service if they don’t make an immediate payment with a pre-paid card or gift card. • Cleco will never demand immediate payment or ask customers to pay with a pre-paid card or gift card. Customers should always contact Cleco directly if they have questions about their bill or payment due date. • These scammers are very convincing, and they are becoming more sophisticated, which is why we’re raising awareness. They have techniques that make the phone number you see on your caller ID appear to be Cleco in an effort to deceive you. Customers should hang up the phone immediately and never call back the number on their caller ID or the number left by the scammer as a call-back number. • A few years ago, Cleco joined Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to help ends scams. UUAS is a consortium of more than 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities, working to inform customers about common scams and new scam tactics. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has succeeded in taking nearly 9,500 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation. How customers can protect themselves: Slow down Scammers typically try to rush customers. They also try to take advantage of customers amid fears around COVID-19. They will ask for personal information and immediate payment. Remember the following: • Cleco will never ask customers for their personal information over the phone. • Cleco will never call customers to demand immediate payment or ask customers to buy a pre-paid card or gift card to pay their bill and then threaten to disconnect their service.  Verify Scammers often pose as utility company employees. If customers receive a phone call, text message, email or knock at the door, they should contact Cleco directly to verify the information using one of the following communication channels: • Phone: [phone] • Online: www.cleco.com (Contact Us page) or the company’s online customer information system, MyAccount • Social media: Facebook page at @ClecoPower • In-Person: Local customer service office  Stop before you act Think about the information the caller or potential scammer is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or suspicious, rethink the situation and ask questions. Common utility scams: • Disconnection Deception Scammers call threatening disconnection of your service unless you make an immediate payment with a pre-paid card. • Overpayment Tactic Scammers call claiming you overpaid your bill, and you need to provide your personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund. • Vacate Your Home Scammers claim there is a need to replace your meter or other equipment, and you must leave your home for 72 hours. • Power Restoration Charge Scammers call offering to restore your electricity more quickly for a fee after a severe storm. • Identification Attack Rather than directing victims to call a 1-800 number, the scammers direct callers to press 1 to collect more data in an attempt to get your personal information. Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened, should contact Cleco and local law enforcement authorities.