This information was forwarded to us from Ruth Romano from the Longfellow Neighborhood Association. It appears that scammers are targetting Minneapolis business owners.

Recently, one of the businesses on E Lake Street received a call from someone representing Xcel Energy telling the business that their check bounced and their power was going to be shut off in 45 minutes unless they obtained a pre-paid credit card with the balance due to give to the representative.  They stated that they would also have the business sign a new contract.

Xcel Energy and any other utility companies do not do business this way and if you receive such a call, contact your utility company immediately.  This is not a new scam.  Excel Energy had actually sent a press release earlier this year to warn businesses.  To view their crime prevention information and information about the scam, click HERE!