Imposters threaten to shut off power unless customers pay

(Albuquerque, N.M.) – PNM is receiving reports from residential customers that people claiming to be with PNM are threatening to disconnect their electricity unless a payment is made over the phone using pre-paid gift cards. PNM has received more than 30 scam reports today and more than 900 since January. Scammers are primarily targeting customers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, but reports have been received throughout New Mexico.

Some scammers have figured out a way to add a false PNM caller ID name appear and have similar recorded on-hold messaging when customers call the number back. Often times, they target customers on Fridays, threatening disconnection of service over the weekend unless they pay within a small window of time, leaving customers to panic and often pay up, even when all the signs of a scam are present. However, PNM does not disconnect on weekends or holidays.

“Unfortunately, scamming electric customers is not new and utilities across the country see it often,” said Shannon Jackson, spokesperson with PNM. “Scammers continue to develop new and sophisticated ways to steal money from customers who work hard for their money, but there are things customers should keep in mind that can help them to recognize these scams and to protect themselves from falling victim to it.”

PNM is working the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) because these fraudsters are using VoIP telecommunication phone lines to scam customers out of money, which is a federal crime. Report the details of these scams at www.ic3.gov and to PNM at 888-DIAL-PNM. Customers should also contact local law enforcement if they feel like their safety is at risk or if they are a victim of fraud.

About PNM
With headquarters in Albuquerque, PNM is the largest electricity provider in New Mexico, serving more than 525,000 customers in dozens of communities across the state. PNM is a subsidiary of PNM Resources, an energy holding company also headquartered in Albuquerque. For more information, visit PNM.com.