Minnesota Department of Commerce

06/04/2026

You didn’t “fall” for a scam—you were the victim of a crime. It happens to more than a million Americans every year. Today’s scams use advanced technology like AI and deepfakes, making them harder to spot.

Being targeted does not mean you were careless. It means the scam was designed to deceive you. If it happens to you, reach out to a trusted family member or to your bank, credit union, or investment advisor.

You can also report the incident to the Department of Commerce. Reporting helps protect others, and Commerce staff can guide you through what to do next. From financial crimes and auto theft to online scams and insurance fraud, our trained employees can quickly identify problems and explain your options. We’re all in this together, and speaking up is a sign of strength.

For additional support with scams targeting older Minnesotans, call 651-539-1600. Learn more about how Commerce is here to help. https://mn.gov/commerce/money/fraud/senior-fraud/consumers.jsp

06/02/2026

The Minnesota Department of Commerce formally censured RBC Capital Markets LLC (RBC) on May 21 for violating Minnesota law. The disciplinary action concluded a multi-state investigation into the company's practice of charging unreasonably high commissions on equity transactions between May 16, 2020, and May 16, 2025. RBC must now pay restitution of more than $242,000 to thousands of customers.

“People should not have to be financial experts to be treated fairly. When Minnesotans place their trust in a financial institution, they deserve honesty, transparency about fees and confidence that the rules are being followed,” Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said. “Our job is to protect consumers and step in when financial institutions fail to meet those obligations.” Read the full press release: https://mn.gov/commerce/news/ #/detail/appId/2/id/751468

05/29/2026

Money Action Day is a fun and family-oriented day that focuses on financial fitness for Twin Cities residents! Join us on June 6 and enjoy free food, music, face painting, credit reports, conversations with financial planners and more. And it’s totally free. Learn more and register here: https://sites.google.com/view/money-action-day-2026/home

05/29/2026

They thought they were investing in their future. Instead, they were being scammed.

Americans lost $7.2 billion to crypto investment scams in 2025, according to FBI estimates. Cryptocurrency investment scams defraud Americans out of more money than any other type of scam and older Americans are often targeted. Scammers recruit victims through social media, in online investment club chats, and by building romantic or friendly relationships.

Victims often initially see their investment grow a lot, while scammers pressure them to keep investing more. Scammers then tell victims that they must pay fees and taxes before they can take their funds out – only to find out it was all fake and their money is gone. Scammers may also pressure victims to put cash into a crypto kiosk, where once it is deposited, victims can rarely recover their money.

If something feels off, it probably is. Pause, hang up, and reach out to someone you trust before sending money. If you aren’t comfortable talking to a friend or family member, call your bank or credit union and ask for help. Most legitimate businesses and government entities will not contact you via text message or social media apps and ask you to send money or personal information. Awareness is one of the strongest tools we have in preventing fraud. Contact your local bank or credit union if you’d prefer to not share this information with a family member.

From financial crimes and auto theft, to online scams and insurance fraud, our trained employees can quickly identify problems and show you how to report them. Learn more about how Commerce is here to help. https://mn.gov/commerce/money/fraud/senior-fraud/

05/27/2026

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved new protections aimed at making sure Minnesota families, seniors, small businesses and communities are not left paying higher electric system costs driven by large energy users, including data centers.

Commerce played a key role in legislation passed last year requiring utilities to develop consumer protections and rules for how large energy users pay for infrastructure costs.

“Minnesota is preparing for a future with growing electricity demand and we have a responsibility to make sure that growth does not come at the expense of the families, seniors, small businesses and communities already connected to our electric system,” Commissioner Grace Arnold said, adding that last week’s action helps establish important guardrails. Read the full statement from Commissioner Arnold. https://mn.gov/commerce/news/ #/detail/appId/2/id/749265

05/21/2026

Protections are now in place to keep Xcel customers safe this summer. Xcel Energy is required to suspend disconnections and reconnect power during extreme heat and poor air quality. These new protections will prevent power shutoffs and temporarily reconnect electric service for its residential electric customers during periods of extreme heat and unhealthy air quality. As of May 1, 2026, Xcel is required to:

1) reconnect disconnected residential customers during heat advisories lasting 8 hours or longer, if remotely disconnected;

2) suspend disconnection of residential customers when Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to be 151 or higher; and

3) reconnect disconnected residential customers when AQI is forecasted to be 151 or higher for 8 hours or longer, if remote disconnected

4) waive reconnection fees associated with extreme heat and poor air quality events.

This temporary reconnection will help customers protect their health by allowing continued use of air conditioners, fans, and air purifiers during hazardous conditions. Customers would be able to opt out of reconnection; including the $13.50 reconnection fee.

A PUC order issued to Xcel following a Minnesota law passed in 2003. The law prohibits utilities from disconnecting residential power when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning. With this law in place, Minnesota is one of just 23 states nationwide that provide heat-related utility shutoff protections. Learn more about the tariff language.

https://efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us/documents/%7BB066759B-0000-C016-9A11-0D904C4718F7%7D/download?contentSequence=0&rowIndex=378

05/15/2026

May is senior fraud awareness month. Fraudsters often target seniors with schemes involving Medicare, fake tech support, romance scams, and phony investment opportunities. These scams can be convincing, using urgent language or spoofed phone numbers to pressure people into giving up personal information or money. Reminding loved ones to pause, hang up, and verify can prevent significant financial harm. If you or someone you know has been targeted, report the scam right away — early reporting helps stop scammers and protects others. Taking a few minutes to share these alerts can make a real difference in keeping our older community members safe. https://mn.gov/commerce/money/fraud/senior-fraud/

05/07/2026

Minnesota is seeing emerging trends in student loan repayment. More than 85,000 Minnesotans are already delinquent on their student loans, and new repayment plans expected after July 1, 2026 may affect even more borrowers.

The Commerce Department’s Student Loan Advocate Program is here to help. Our Student Loan Advocate, Jabra Kawas, supports borrowers who need guidance, help with servicers, or information about their consumer protections. If you are experiencing issues related to repayment, borrower challenges, or consumer protections reach out to Jabra Kawas at [email protected]. Watch this YouTube video to learn more about how Commerce can help.

Discover the most frequently asked questions brought to the Student Loan Advocate. This video outlines key concerns borrowers face and provides guidance on a...

05/04/2026

Ethan Lahn cannot change the price of gasoline.

Sorry.

But he does make sure you get what you pay for at the pump — and the grocery store.

“People work hard for their money. My job is to help make sure what you’re paying for is what you’re getting, whether it’s a gallon of gas or a pound of produce,” said Lahn, an inspector in our Weights and Measures Division. “When prices are high, every dollar matters.”

Check out this KARE11 story to learn more about how our inspectors help protect consumers every day. If you run into problems at your local gas station or grocery store, give us a call at 651-539-1555.

https://www.kare11.com/video/news/local/feeling-pain-at-the-pump-heres-how-state-inspectors-ensure-youre-getting-the-right-amount-of-gas/89-bbf5bce8-6734-41cc-8098-27ee18dfac7c

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! We were proud to celebrate Clean Energy Business Day 2026 at the Capitol. Minnesota’s clean energy community continues to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and momentum.

Yesterday’s program highlighted how Minnesota is advancing toward its 100% carbon-free electricity law, supported by utility energy resource plans and major private-sector investments. Wind, solar, and energy efficiency remain central to this progress, with new workforce initiatives already expanding weatherization and heat pump training across the state.

Minnesota’s new data center legislation is opening the door to historic clean energy investments. Additional opportunities in storage and geothermal are also emerging, strengthening job growth and community benefits statewide.

Clean Energy Business Day also highlighted Minnesota’s strong clean energy workforce, record-breaking job growth, and continued innovation in areas such as sustainable aviation fuel, electric vehicle infrastructure, and advanced energy technologies.

Thank you to all the businesses, workers, and partners who continue to drive Minnesota’s clean energy economy forward.

https://mn.gov/governor/assets/04.21.26%20Clean%20Energy%20Business%20Day_tcm1055-743060.pdf