NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – PNM is warning New Mexicans about scams targeting customers this holiday season. PNM says they are getting reports of phone scams where scammers are adding a false PNM caller ID or false 505 prefix to phone numbers and pretending the be calling from PNM.
Story continues below:
- Balloon Fiesta: 2023 Balloon Fiesta Quiz
- Albuquerque: Walmart removes self-checkout lanes at two Albuquerque locations
- New Mexico: Friends of victim who was shot at Oñate protests in Española speak out
- Entertainment: Which movies were filmed in New Mexico?
Once getting people on the phone, scammers care claiming customers are behind on payments. They threaten to shut off customers’ electricity unless you make a payment with a pre-paid card or electronic bank transfer. The scammers usually demand between $200 and $300. PNM says they have received over 1,900 scam reports this year.
PNM’s tips to avoid scams:
- Don’t take claims as the truth
- Never give banking information over the phone unless you initiate the call
- If the caller demands payment by a pre-paid card, gift card, or wiring money, it is a scam
- Report the scam
