Scam alert: Xcel Energy reports fraudulent phone numbers disguised as company

Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Fri, Oct 28, 2022, 5:50 PM2 min read

In this article:

Xcel Energy donated surplus substation components to South Plains College. [Photo provided by Xcel Energy]

Xcel Energy has noticed a potential scam involving fraudulent phone numbers and offered clarification on where potential and current customers can get help.

The scam involves a customer attempting to complete transactions, including starting new service, find a phone number online that connects to the scammers. When called, the customer is asked to pay up front, and may be asked for social security and/or credit card numbers. In some cases, the scammers contact Xcel and pose as the customer, using their information to start services.

Others are reading:Lubbock airport police warn of online pet sales scam

Some signs that this scam is happening include:

If a caller requires a single form of payment, such as requiring the use of a prepaid debit card. Xcel Energy offers many options for payment and will never ask or require a customer with a past due account to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
Xcel Energy customers will initially be contacted by U.S. mail about past due bills, not over the phone. You will also be sent a disconnection notice in writing before your power is turned off.
Customers should never wire money, provide bank card numbers, and social security numbers to an unverified source.

Xcel Energy does not charge customers up front to complete transactions. If asked to do so, customers should hang up and call 1-800-895-4999 to report the scam and complete the transaction. People can also call the Business SolutionsCenter at 1-800-481-4700 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to report the scam.

"By calling these numbers, customers can count on the help of a legitimate representative," the release stated. "Information provided will be shared with investigators to aid in possible criminal investigation. Affected customers should also contact local authorities to file a criminal complaint."

Alana Edgin is a journalist covering Business News in Lubbock and the surrounding area. Send her a news tip at aedgin@lubbockonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Xcel Energy reports fraudulent phone numbers posing as company

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Scam alert: Xcel Energy reports fraudulent phone numbers disguised as company

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