Xcel Energy released a statement to customers warning them of an increased number of scams targeting customers.
According to the news release, the scams are individuals impersonating Xcel Energy representatives or collection personnel trying to illegally obtain payments for fictitious utility bills.
Most of the recent scamming incidents have occurred in the service areas outside of Texas and New Mexico but residents have been targeted in the past.
Xcel Energy said that the in the scam, fraudulent representatives contact customers and tells them they have an outstanding balance and are facing service disconnect. Xcel Energy warns customers that scammers then direct customers to purchase pre-paid cash cards to pay fake bills and the tells customers to pay the bill over the phone through the card.
In other case, scammers have contacted customers using a fake Xcel Energy telephone number, fake employee name and/or ID number then telling customers they will come to the residence to pick up payment. Impersonators have also told customers that they have overpaid a bill and will need bank information to refund overpaid accounts.
Xcel Energy representatives state that only legitimate door-to-door or phone solicitation involves contractors working on behalf of Xcel Energy to provide services. A list of these vendors can be found at xcelefficiency.com. Customers may also contact Xcel Energy customer information at 1-800-895-4999 for verification.
If you have been contacted by someone posing as an Xcel Energy employee you can report incidents to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999. If you have given your bank account or credit card account information to an imposter, contact your bank or card company and follow the procedures they have in place.
To prevent future incidents Xcel Energy advises customers should only use authorized methods and proven banking practices to pay bills. Do not provide personal information to suspicious callers.
