Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM): A phone scam is going around Sioux Falls aimed at small businesses. The scammers claim to be with Xcel Energy and state the business owes money that must be paid with pre-paid credit cards such as a Green Dot Prepaid card.
Several businesses recieved the call Thursday afternoon, however all recognized it was a scam and no money was lost. The scammers initially say the electric bill is past due then change their message to say new meters have been installed, so the payment owed is separate from the monthly electric bill. The scammers also claim if payment is not received within a short time period, like 35 minutes, the company will shut off the power.
If anyone receives calls similar to this, simply hang up. No reputable business, including Xcel Energy, will take payment from a pre-paid credit card. If you think it is possible a payment was late or missing, contact Xcel Energy directly, or the company they claim to represent, before purchasing a pre-paid credit card.