El Paso Electric (EPE) warns customers of a scam currently involving individuals falsely representing themselves as EPE customer service representatives. Customers are being told they have to pay for a new meter and are being asked to call a phone number not associated with EPE to make the payment immediately or their service will be shut off. Reports of this scam have all been small business owners in the downtown Las Cruces area. This scam has been reported to the Las Cruces Police Department.

Customers should never provide personal information to any unknown party over the phone and should be aware that EPE will never ask for payment over the phone. If there is any question about the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent our EPE, customers should contact EPE directly and report the issue immediately.

The only numbers associated with EPE are the following:

• (915) 543-5970
• (575) 526-5555
• Toll-free at (800) 351-1621

EPE recommends the following tips to protect customers from potential scams:

• Be suspicious of callers asking for payment especially if they ask to be paid with a prepaid debit card. EPE has various payment methods through authorized payment options.
• If there is a question regarding the authenticity of the caller claiming to represent EPE, report the issue at (915) 543-5970, (575) 526-5555 or call toll free at (800) 351-1621.
• Do not offer confidential information unless the customer initiated the contact with EPE customer service at one of the above numbers. 

For a complete list of EPE authorized payment options or for financial assistance, please visit www.epelectric.com.