South Dakota PUC Warns Consumers About Scams

Commission urges residents to be wary of unknown callers and common phone scams.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is highlighting the importance of recognizing red flags from unknown callers during National Consumer Protection Week. The commission's 'Don't Know? Don't Answer.' education campaign emphasizes that if you don't recognize the number calling, don't answer the call, as most phone scams involve imposter scams where the caller pretends to be someone else.

Why it matters

Phone scams continue to be a major problem, with criminals impersonating a variety of organizations to try to defraud people. The PUC wants to empower South Dakota residents to protect their money and personal information by being vigilant about unknown callers.

The details

The PUC advises that if you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from a utility provider, bank, government agency or other organization, hang up and call the entity directly using a verified phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the call. Common phone scams include callers impersonating utility companies, banks, law enforcement, charities, and more in an attempt to gain trust, information and money.

  • The PUC's 'Don't Know? Don't Answer.' campaign is being highlighted during National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 6-12, 2026.
  • PUC Commissioners and staff will be at the Black Hills Home Show in Rapid City from March 27-29, 2026 to educate consumers about scams.

The players

Chris Nelson

Chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

Kristie Fiegen

Vice Chairperson of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

Gary Hanson

Commissioner of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

The state agency responsible for regulating public utilities in South Dakota and educating consumers about scams and fraud.

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What they’re saying

“The PUC aims to provide South Dakotans with the information and resources needed to protect their information, assets and identities. We always recommend that if you don't know the number calling, don't answer. If that isn't always possible, listen for warning signs in the call.”

— Chris Nelson, Chairman, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

“Telephone scammers are criminals who defraud people. Knowledge is power in avoiding them. Know common scams and how they operate and be prepared to respond. 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. Always use trusted sources.”

— Kristie Fiegen, Vice Chairperson, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

“Scams come in many shapes and sizes, and are always evolving, which makes perpetrators difficult to catch. That is why it is so important to stay informed, use available consumer resources to help identify and avoid scams, report incidents to law enforcement, state attorney general's office or the Federal Trade Commission and access support that can help you recover if a scam occurs.”

— Gary Hanson, Commissioner, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

The PUC Commissioners and staff will be on hand at the Black Hills Home Show in Rapid City from March 27-29, 2026 to answer questions and continue educating consumers about scams.

The takeaway

Staying vigilant about unknown callers and being aware of common phone scams is crucial for protecting one's money and personal information. The South Dakota PUC is working to empower residents with the knowledge and resources needed to avoid becoming victims of fraud.