An Entergy phone scam that started in Louisiana and Arkansas has now been reported by three Jackson area restaurants, according to a news release from Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.

Accounts manager for Entergy in Mississippi Kenneth Goza of Brookhaven said there were no reports of the scam in the Lincoln County area, however.

There also have been multiple reports targeting Entergy customers in Louisiana. The con artist calls and says the customer’s bill is past due and that his or her service will be disconnected within the hour if payment isn’t made. Then the targeted victim is directed to transfer funds electronically, sometimes through a system known as “MoneyPak.”

While Entergy does place courtesy calls if customers are at risk for having their power turned off, these are pre-recorded notifications and are not from live customer service representatives, an Entergy press release stated. Additionally, Entergy will never demand immediate payment.

BillMatrix is the only third-party vendor Entergy uses to accept phone payments with credit and debit cards.

Entergy officials advise customers they should never give personal information to strangers or suspicious callers. If a call sounds suspicious, call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with a customer service representative.

If any individual or business has been the target of such a scam or other attempts to defraud, they also may contact the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at 1-800-281-4418 or 601-359-4230 to file a report.

Entergy offers several authorized methods of payment:

• Pay online: customers can manage their accounts free of charge online or by cell phone. Download the cell phone app or register online at www.entergy.com. Customers can then review account alert options and pay their bill.

• Pay by phone: Customers can pay with a credit card, debit card or electronic check by calling Entergy’s pay-by-phone provider, BillMatrix, at 1-800-584-1241. BillMatrix charges a $2.95 service fee.

• Walk-in payment centers: Customers can pay their bill by cash, check or money order at an authorized Quick Payment Center. A convenience fee may apply. Payment centers may be found at entergy-mississippi.com/agent_reference/qpc.aspx or by calling 1-800-368-3749.

• Bank draft: have payments automatically deducted from their checking account each month. Entergy will mail a monthly statement showing the bill amount and bank draft date.

• Pay by mail: customers can also mail a check by U.S. mail to the remittance address shown on their bill.