JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The Mississippi Attorney General's office and utility services are warning about a scam offering to pay bills for residents.
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, says that swindlers are enticing people with this sales pitch: There is currently money available NOW right here in your area, to help pay your bills.
The pitch comes via ads, websites, phone calls, text messages, and visits from salespeople.
Patrick Beasley, with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division says, "The most crucial thing is they're asking for personal information. Identity thieves work to try to put together a picture about you based off your personal data, that's what were most concerned about."
The scammers charge a fee and ask for your credit card number or other personal information, and instruct you on how to use bank account and routing numbers to pay your bills online, or print checks to pay in person or by mail. But it's a fraud.
The thieves are taking the money out of people's bank accounts using their personal information, but are not paying their bills for them.
"The bills that have allegedly been paid by these third parties, the consumer follows up or asks or verifies, and these accounts are not being paid," said Beasley.
The Mississippi Attorney General's office says they have received 400 calls from consumers who have fallen victim to the scam.
Entergy Spokesperson Mara Hartman says there are options to help you if you are having difficulty paying your bills, including the Liheap and Energy Assistance program.
"Please don't give out your personal information to anyone. If you hear someone say the President will pay your power bill it's a scam, don't fall for it," says Hartmann.
The scam originated on the west coast in May, and is making it's way across the country.
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