In times of social and economic unrest, we often see a rise in malicious activity, including email phishing attempts. The current COVID-19 situation is no exception. Bad actors see the country’s shift to remote work as an opportunity, and as such we need to ensure we are acting with the appropriate caution to protect MidSouth and its members. Common phishing emails and scams that we are seeing include:
• Emails asking you to verify account information
• Calls or texts threatening to turn off your electricity
• Phishing emails designed to look like they are from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
• Emails that offer purported medical advice to help protect you against the coronavirus
• Emails with official government announcements
• Links to a map of confirmed Coronavirus cases
• Ads and emails requesting help and donations to fraudulent charities or causes

To help protect you and our system from the above attacks and any other malicious activity, please follow these guidelines:
• If an email or request seems out of place, please actively verify the identity of the emailer or requester. The best way to do this is by searching the organization online and reaching out to a representative to confirm whether or not they sent the message.
• Always confirm any financial transaction, whether work-based or personal. Do not click on links in email, rather go directly to known websites for all banking and financial transactions including any donations.

It is important to note MidSouth will never:
• Call from an out-of-state number
• Have a technician call and say he or she is coming to disconnect your power
• Request a cash payment at your home or business
• Threaten a disconnection on holidays or weekends

During this time, MidSouth remains committed to community and will work with any of its members affected by COVID-19. If you experience a scam related to your MidSouth account, please alert a member service representative at (936)825-5100.