HEADS UP ON NEW SCAM

The following is a message from Officer Adriel Torres 
Denver Police District 2

We continue to get reports of incidents involving suspects pretending to be collecting unpaid bills for Xcel Energy Colorado. Suspects contact the victim and tell them that their utility services will be shut off due to an overdue bill unless payment is made immediately. The victim is then pressured by the suspects to purchase a pre-paid debit card, and provide the suspect with the number on the back of the card. If the victim follows instructions, the money is removed from the card very quickly by the suspects. In most cases, victims are contacted by phone, however on some occasions the suspects have shown up in person. If you are contacted by a person wanting to collect for Xcel Energy, you should confirm their legitimacy by calling Xcel Energy at 800-481-4700 for businesses, or 800-895-4999 for residential service.