Beware of Payment Scams

PNM Scam

Sandia Area members are reporting fraudulent phone calls from a caller claiming to be a PNM representative.

The caller is stating that the member must urgently pay their bill (usually through a non-traditional method like Zelle) or the member’s power will be shut off. A link is then sent to the member, prompting the member to log in and make a payment.

THIS IS A SCAM. While PNM may contact you about a past due balance, they will not send you a Zelle link to complete the payment.

If you receive a legitimate phone call from PNM, they will always:

• Notify you of your balance
• Offer assistance programs
• and encourage you to verify the balance on your own.

For more information see here (link to PNM fraud and scams page https://www.pnm.com/scam-calls)

If you receive one of these phone calls, please report it on the PNM website so they can inform others to look out for this scam.

Mastercard Scam

Sandia Area members are also reporting fraudulent phone calls from a caller claiming to be a Sandia Area representative. The caller states the member needs to make a payment on their past due credit card balance.

Please be aware that Sandia Area will never initiate a phone call asking you to directly transfer funds for a past due payment of a credit card balance.

If you are unsure whether the person calling is legitimate or not:

• Immediately hang up
• Call the number listed on our official Sandia Area website, 505-292-6343, to reach a Member Service representative.
• Let the representative know about the call and verify your account information.

Red Flags

• You didn’t initiate the call. When in doubt, hang up and call the company or credit union yourself.

• The caller is asking for payments or transfers in methods you don’t normally use to pay bills. Never give your account or payment information to a caller. Check your accounts through trusted methods including Online Banking or by calling Member Services.

• The caller is threatening or creating a sense of urgency (e.g. you need to pay this now!) This is a key component of many scams. Slow down, take the time to think, and reach out yourself through trusted channels to complete any action.

• The caller sends you links rather than directing you to use your normal methods of payment. No legitimate company will request a payment in this manner.