Common Utility Scams

Scammers are savvier than ever.
Here's what to look out for.

Americans reported losing nearly $16 billion to fraud in 2025, with impersonation scams remaining one of the most common tactics. Fraudsters often pose as trusted organizations, including utility companies, to create a sense of urgency and pressure people into making payments or sharing personal information.

The good news: knowing the warning signs can help you protect yourself and your finances. Below you can review some of the more common utility scams with some tips on what to watch out for and how to respond.

Top 5 tips to avoid SCAMS
  1. Slow down. Scammers create urgency to force quick decisions
  2. Never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller
  3. Be suspicious of requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards
  4. Do not trust caller ID alone. Scammers can spoof names and numbers
  5. Report suspicious activity to Holy Cross Energy at 970.945.5491 and local law enforcement

Scam Phone Calls, Emails, and Texts

Watch out for:
  • Threats of immediate disconnection unless you pay right away
  • Requests for payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or money order
  • Requests for bank account or credit card information to “verify” your account
  • Caller ID appears to show Holy Cross Energy or claims that Xcel Energy is Holy Cross Energy’s parent company
  • High-pressure tactics designed to rush or intimidate you.
How to respond:
  • Hang up, delete the message, or do not respond
  • Never provide financial or personal information
  • Contact us directly at 970.945.5491 if you have questions about your account
  • Remember: Holy Cross Energy provides written notice before service interruptions and will never demand payment via gift cards or threaten you

Door-to-Door Impersonators

Watch out for:
  • Someone arrives unannounced claiming to be from the utility
  • They request access to your home to inspect equipment
  • They offer discounts, products, or services on the spot
  • They pressure you to let them inside
How to respond:
  • Do not allow access unless you have verified their identity
  • Ask for multiple forms of identification
  • Call us directly to confirm any scheduled visit
  • If you feel unsafe, contact local law enforcement
  • In rare cases, we may make an in-person visit as a final courtesy before a service disconnection for non-payment. If someone claims you owe money, do not feel pressured to pay on the spot. You can always call Holy Cross Energy directly to verify the situation and make a payment through our secure payment options.

Identity Theft & Fake Websites

Watch out for:
  • An unexpected email claims there’s a problem with your account.
  • You’re directed to a website that asks for personal or financial information.
  • The website looks legitimate but was accessed through an unsolicited link.
How to respond:
  • Do not click suspicious links
  • Never enter personal or financial information through an unsolicited webpage
  • Visit our website directly by typing the web address into your browser: www.holycross.com

Utility Refund Scams

Watch out for:
  • Someone claims you’ve overpaid your bill
  • They offer to help process a refund
  • They ask for banking or credit card information

How to respond:
  • Do not provide financial information
  • Contact Holy Cross Energy directly to verify any refund claim
  • Note: our Member Equity refunds are only ever paid out via bill credit or mailed check

Fake Government Assistance Programs

Watch out for:
  • Someone claims you qualify for a federal energy assistance program
  • They ask for personal, financial, or account information to determine eligibility
  • The offer comes from an unsolicited phone call, email, or text
How to respond:
  • Do not share personal information
  • Verify assistance programs directly through Holy Cross Energy
  • See our list of legitimate payment assistance programs
  • Contact us at 970.945.5491 for questions and confirmations