South Dakota PUC Issues State-Wide Alert Against Phone Scams During National Consumer Protection Week

Protect Yourself from Phone Scams: Learn to identify common red flags such as threatening language, urgent demands, and imposter scams. If you don't know the number, don't answer. Take action by verifying unknown calls and reporting scams to authorities.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is urging residents to remain vigilant against increasing phone scams designed to steal money and personal information. As part of an ongoing educational effort, the commission is highlighting its “Don’t Know? Don’t Answer.” campaign, which promotes a simple first line of defense: if you do not recognize the incoming phone number, do not answer the call.

The initiative aims to equip South Dakotans with the knowledge necessary to spot red flags before becoming victims of fraud.

“The PUC aims to provide South Dakotans with the information and resources needed to protect their information, assets, and identities,” stated PUC Chairman Chris Nelson. While ignoring unknown numbers is the primary recommendation, Nelson acknowledged that it isn’t always possible.

“If [answering] isn’t always possible, listen for warning signs in the call,” Nelson explained. “Threatening language or demands for immediate action should cause concern. If that happens, don’t be afraid to take a step back and contact the supposed caller directly through a publicly available phone number.”

Officials noted that these fraudulent calls most frequently use “imposter scams,” in which the caller impersonates a trusted entity—such as a government agency or utility company—to build trust and extort money or data.

Current common phone scams include callers impersonating:

·        Utility companies

·        Banks and credit card companies

·        Law enforcement

·        IRS officials

·        Medicare or Medicaid representatives

·        Charity organizations

·        Investment and cryptocurrency firms

·        Family members claiming to be in legal trouble

Persistent scams involving student loans, auto loans, car warranties, health insurance, and lottery or sweepstakes winnings also remain prevalent.

PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen emphasized that knowledge is power when confronting these criminals. Fiegen provided specific advice regarding calls from utility providers, a common tactic.

“If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from your utility provider, hang up and call your utility using the number on your bill to verify,” Fiegen recommended. “Always use trusted sources.”

Commissioner Gary Hanson added that the evolving nature of these scams makes perpetrators difficult to apprehend, making prevention key.

“That is why it is so important to stay informed, use available consumer resources to help identify and avoid scams, [and] report incidents to law enforcement, the state attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission,” Hanson stated.

To continue this educational outreach, PUC commissioners and staff will be present at the upcoming Black Hills Home Show, March 27-29, at The Monument in Rapid City. Attendees are encouraged to stop by to take the “Don’t Know? Don’t Answer!” pledge and learn more about avoiding scams.

For more information and resources on identifying and stopping scam calls, visit the PUC’s website at puc.sd.gov/scamcalls.