(Albuquerque, NM) As we prepare for Thanksgiving feasts, football games and Black Friday shopping, PNM warns that scammers are likely making plans too.

This time of year, PNM sees an increase in reports from customers receiving phone calls and texts from fake utility representatives seeking customers' hard-earned money.

Once customers are on the phone, the scammer says they are with PNM, claims the customer is behind on their bill and threatens to immediately disconnect electricity unless they pay with a prepaid gift card or an electronic banking transfer.

More than 446 scam reports, most of which are from the Albuquerque area, have been reported to PNM since Jan. 2024. Scammers typically demand between $200-$500. Most PNM customers say they were contacted by scammers over the phone versus in-person, email or text.

PNM remains committed to the highest standards of customer protection. Awareness is the best defense, which is why PNM urges customers to follow these safety tips:

If you suspect you are being called by a scammer, HANG UP immediately.
If you ever question whether the call is a legitimate, call PNM directly at 888-DIAL-PNM (1-888-342-5766)
PNM will NEVER call a customer on a holiday or outside of normal business hours: Mon.- Fri., 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Report suspicious activity to PNM as soon as possible.

Recognizing the signs of a scam is essential for customers to safeguard themselves from these types of deceptive tactics. Even if a customer realized it was a scam, PNM is asking they still report it in order to warn all customers of a threat.