PINEVILLE, La. – Fraudulent callers are once again calling Cleco customers demanding immediate payment of electric bills or face power disconnection. Cleco reminds all customers the company will not call and pressure customers for payment. Cleco also warns customers to be suspicious of telephone numbers given during these calls. These numbers are not Cleco’s customer service numbers even though recordings may sound very much like Cleco’s customer service line.

“The creativity of these scam callers has increased, putting our customers at greater risk of falling victim to these dishonest people,” said Shirley Turner, general manager of customer experience management. “It is very important to use Cleco’s established customer service number and not a number the callers give to them to verify account balances. All customers, especially our business customers, should be aware and protect themselves from this scam.”

For customers’ protection, Cleco gives three important points regarding unpaid electricity bill balances:

• A Cleco representative will not call customers demanding payment.

• Cleco will not tell customers the type of payment method to use to pay their bills.

• Cleco will not suggest a location where a bill should be paid.

Cleco is working with law enforcement officials to investigate these calls. The company again reminds customers to use the established Cleco customer service number when verifying balances by phone. Customers should call 1-800-622-6537 to contact Cleco’s call center. Customers also may visit a customer service office or use the company’s MyAccount online program to inquire about a billing question. To access MyAccount, visit www.cleco.com.