Public Service Commission issues scam alert

Aug. 19, 2024 – The Mississippi Public Service Commissioners are urging Mississippians to be cautious of scam callers posing as Public Service Commission (PSC) employees. These individuals may attempt to solicit personal information or payment.

Today, the Commission was contacted by a citizen reporting a phone call from someone claiming to be a member of PSC staff. The supposed PSC representative claimed he would send her $200 for paying her electric bills on time but needed her credit card information in order to do so. The scammer did not provide his own name or the name of an electric company, but did tell the customer that he worked for the PSC and provided her with the PSC’s customer service number. The PSC has reported this scam to the Attorney General’s Office.

The PSC again assures the public that our employees will never initiate contact requesting sensitive information or for a payment over the phone. If you receive such a call, it is likely a scam.

To protect yourself:

• Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from the PSC.
• NEVER give out personal or financial information over the phone.
• Hang up and report the incident or any similar suspicious activity to the PSC and to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.

“We care deeply about the well-being of our constituents, especially our elderly or most vulnerable, and want to ensure they are protected from these malicious scams,” stated the Commissioners. “If you have any concerns, please reach out to us directly.”