FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Oct. 28, 2011
CONTACT: Leah Mohr, deputy executive director, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201 or (605) 280-4327

Phishing scam targets AT&T customers

PIERRE, S.D. – An email scam requesting personal information from customers has been reported to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission by AT&T officials. The email appears to originate from AT&T and prompts the user to provide account and credit card information.

The PUC urges citizens to be mindful of opening emails or links and providing information to sources of which they are unsure. Misspellings or requests for banking information are common signs of a phishing scams.

PUC Chairman Gary Hanson stated: "Being informed and taking the right precautions will go a long way in keeping consumers safe from scams. I encourage consumers to contact the company directly if they ever receive such a request."

AT&T customers targeted by phishing should send a copy of the email to the company at abuse@att.net.

Consumers are encouraged to report any potential telecommunications scams they encounter to the PUC by calling 1-800-332-1782 or sending an email to PUCConsumerInfo@state.sd.us.

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