AFP via Getty Images
AFP via Getty Images
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Xcel Energy is feeling the brunt of a new phone scam that is targeting local Amarillo customers.  Xcel Energy customers have recently been victimized by phone scams. Callers claiming to be from Xcel Energy are threatening to turn off electricity or natural gas service if they are not paid immediately. Scammers may even manipulate Caller ID to look like they are calling from Xcel Energy.

A Potter County woman was contacted by someone claiming to be Xcel Energy and her power was going to be turned off. She was told to go to a retail store and buy gift cards to pay for the service, a common element to scams like this.

However, the sheriff's office said she realized she was being scammed and did not pay the callers anything.

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Here are some important tips to help your business avoid being tricked into paying money to a scammer:

  1. Xcel Energy provides many options for payment; be suspicious if a caller requires the use of a prepaid debit card, such as a Green Dot card.
  2. If your account is in danger of disconnection, a notice will be sent through U.S. mail before your power is turned off.
  3. Never wire money or provide your debit or credit card numbers to an unverified source.

If you get a call like this call the Potter County Sheriff's Office at (806) 379-2900.

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