Xcel Energy Just Issued a New Warning for All Minnesota Customers

Scammers are Aggressively Targeting Xcel Energy Customers

Phone scams have always been a problem, but lately, it seems as though they’ve been getting trickier, more aggressive, and more convincing. Scammers are evolving their tactics, spoofing local numbers, using company logos, and even mimicking official language to trick you out of your hard-earned money.

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One of the most common scams currently hitting Minnesotans involves fake package delivery texts. You'll receive messages claiming there's an issue with a USPS, FedEx, or UPS shipment, trying to get you to click a link to “resolve” the problem. But instead of tracking a package, that link goes to a phishing site designed to steal personal information.

Now, Xcel Energy is warning Minnesota customers to stay alert.

Minnesota Residents Urged to Watch for Aggressive Xcel Energy Scam Calls

According to a recent release from the Minnesota energy provider, scammers are posing as Xcel representatives, telling customers their accounts are overdue and threatening to disconnect service within the hour. Xcel Energy says the victims are pressured to buy a prepaid debit or credit card and call back with the number to supposedly avoid shutoff.

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These scammers often sound professional," Xcel said, "and may also manipulate caller ID so numbers look like they’re coming from Xcel Energy."

How to Spot the Latest Xcel Energy Scam Targeting Minnesota

But there are key differences between the scam and how Xcel actually operates. For one, the company will never demand payment through a prepaid card or wire transfer, and it always contacts customers by mail first about any past-due bills. A formal disconnection notice is also mailed well before service is ever cut off.

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Xcel is urging customers to hang up immediately if they receive a suspicious call and to report it by contacting Xcel Energy Customer Service at 1-800-895-4999. You can also reach the Business Solutions Center at 1-800-481-4700 during business hours. The company shares details of these scams with federal authorities for potential criminal investigation.

By the way, if you're getting constant spam or telemarketing calls, here's an iPhone trick you can use to silence them for good.