Online scams are on the rise, how to get help with energy bills and more





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"March 20, 2025"

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*In this issue*


* Online romance scams on the rise [ #romance ]
* Need assistance paying your energy bills? [ #energy ]
* Minnesota ranks in the top 10 for state energy efficiency [ #top10 ]
* Remember to claim your Child Tax Credit this tax season [ #childtax ]
* Commerce in the news [ #news ]





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Online romance scams on the rise

Romance scammers tell all sorts of lies to steal people's hearts and money. Reports to the Federal Trade Commission show those lies are working. Nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam, and reported losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion in 2022. Romance scammers target people looking for love on platforms such as dating apps and social media. But how can you tell the difference between dating and defrauding? If you know a senior or vulnerable adult who may have been scammed, contact Commerce’s Senior Safe Team at [email protected]. <[email protected]> Learn more here [ [link removed] ].






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Need assistance paying your energy bills?

Are you or someone you care about struggling with energy bills? The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program may be able to help pay your energy bills. The program is free and provides an average benefit of $500, plus additional support for emergencies. Both homeowners and renters can qualify. Apply at mn.gov/home [ [link removed] ].






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Minnesota ranks in the top 10 for state energy efficiency

The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranks the 50 states and DC on their policies and programs to advance energy efficiency. Amid rising energy costs, many states are recognizing energy efficiency’s important role in making energy more affordable and helping families and businesses reduce costs. We're proud to share Minnesota finished in the top ten. Learn more here [ [link removed] ].






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Remember to claim your Child Tax Credit this tax season

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has asked us to help spread the word about Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit. One of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan’s signature initiatives to invest in Minnesota families and reduce the rate of child poverty is Minnesota’s nation-leading Child Tax Credit [ [link removed] ]. Last year, more than 223,000 families claimed the credit which put over $700 million into family budgets across the state. For details, visit Advance Payments of the Child Tax Credit [ [link removed] ]. 

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Commerce in the News

* Xcel Energy announces plan to meet state’s clean energy, carbon-free emissions goals [ [link removed] ]
* Wolf River Electric Applauds Minnesota for Launching On-Site Energy Storage Systems Program [ [link removed] ]

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Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce at mn.gov/commerce [ [link removed] ] or @MNCommerce on social media.

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*Minnesota Department of Commerce*
85 7th Place East, Suite 280
St. Paul, MN 55101

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