PNM is warning customers of the rising tide of scam calls during this holiday season. As the holidays approach, scammers become more aggressive, preying on unsuspecting customers to defraud them of their hard-earned money.
According to a recent press release from PNM, there have been 355 scam calls reported to the utility company so far this year.
Scammers usually demand between $200-$500 for residential customers and more than $1,000 for business customers.
Spikes in scam reports often occur during the holidays, when customers are spending time with family and friends.
Scam reports show customers went against their better judgment, reacted out of fear and overlooked the red flags of the scam, according to the press release, explaining they were afraid to be without power when they are cooking and hosting parties.
Scammers will often request payment via gift card or wire transfer.
Scam 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 PNM phone number, contact the company at 888-DIAL-PNM (1-888-342-5766)
- PNM will NEVER call a customer on a holiday or after regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Report suspicious activity to PNM as soon as possible
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 25, 2024
