Caution against techno-thieves bears repeating

’Tis the season to be cautious.

We have recently learned about scams designed to extort their victims, thinking they’re securing a vital service, into paying the wrong people.

In it, the fraudulent callers tell intended victims their power bill is overdue. Then they threaten to turn off the power if the targeted victims don’t fork over payment immediately by debit or credit card.

If the intended victims respond to the fake ultimatum with a payment, they become real victims in three ways.

One, they’re out the cash.

Two, they’ve given thieves card numbers that give them access to more of the victims’ cash.

Three, if their bills really were overdue, they still haven’t paid them and they could still have electricity shut off for non-payment.

Until the detection of techno-crimes catches up to the techno-thieves, we can only advise caution.

We hope you’ve seen this information elsewhere, but it bears repeating so we’re saying it again here.

If you get such a threatening notice by email or phone, disregard it. If it’s a phone call, hang up. If it’s an email, move to spam or trash.

The real power company would appreciate your reporting either the email addresses or the phone numbers of the fraudsters, if you happen to see them, to either the utility or the police.

Xcel Energy officials have told us about these scams, and how their bill collection policies really work.

If you really are overdue on a bill, Xcel will notify you in writing, by regular mail.

The notice usually comes with a warning and a deadline, which is usually pretty reasonable, by which you should pay.

If you really can’t pay and you let them know, Xcel will work with you to pay as you can.

Scammers can be convincing, preying on fear and most area residents’ desire to be responsible and do the right thing.

Don’t be fooled. Be careful.

Unsigned editorials are the opinion of the Clovis Media Inc. editorial board, which includes Editor David Stevens and Publisher Robert Arrowsmith.