WST Cooperative Scam Call Alert

Published 6:30 am Friday, December 1, 2023

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WASHINGTON PARISH, La. – There has been a recent surge in scam activities involving callers impersonating the Washington-St in Washington Parish and neighboring St. Tammany. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WST). This information comes from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and WST, who have issued official warnings to the public.

These fraudulent calls, sometimes from a person named ‘James’ or other names, are made from phone numbers that mimic those of WST. One such number identified is 985-333-1592, but it’s important to note that the scammers may use various numbers. The scammers falsely inform the residents that WST has been bought by another utility company, such as Entergy or Cleco, which has been confirmed as untrue. WST continues to operate as an independent cooperative.

The primary deception in these calls involves a claim that the resident’s utility bill is overdue and requires immediate payment. This Washington Parish WST Cooperative Scam is a typical example of a financial scam, seeking personal information or money under false pretenses.

Authorities have noted a worrying trend in these scam calls – they often target the elderly. As a result, the Washington Parish WST Cooperative Scam has become a significant concern for the community, prompting calls for increased awareness and communication, especially among those who may not have regular access to online scam alerts.

Residents are advised to exercise caution. If you receive a call claiming to be from WST and demanding payment or personal information, it is recommended to hang up and contact WST directly through their official communication channels to verify any claims or concerns.

Raising awareness about the Washington Parish WST Cooperative Scam is crucial in helping protect the community from these fraudulent schemes. Residents need to stay informed and vigilant to prevent falling victim to such scams. The cooperation and alertness of the community are key in ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Washington Parish.

About Timothy Holdiness

Timothy Holdiness is a native of Louisiana and has been published in several state, national and international publications. He has earned two undergraduate degrees in Biology, most recently from Northwestern State University in 2022. Notably, Holdiness was the 2014 Microsoft Office Specialist United States Champion in PowerPoint 2010.

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