A new scam is hitting local residents over their phones.

According to the Amarillo Police Department, several citizens called authorities on Tuesday to report a phone scam from someone claiming to be from Xcel Energy. The caller is telling citizens that they are behind on their bill and that if they don’t pay, their service will be disconnected.

Authorities say this call is a scam and that neither Xcel Energy nor Atmos Energy will call and threaten to cut off utilities without a warning first. Additionally, authorities say to be vigilant about these types of scams, as it is during the holiday season, so scammers may try to take advantage of local residents.

If you have any questions about a scam, you are encouraged to do your own investigation or to call the APD Public Information Office at 806-378-4257.