FortisBC is warning Kootenay residents to be vigilant with scams on the rise in the region.
A number of people from Cranbrook, Creston and all the way to Kelowna have reported getting fraudulent phone calls, claiming to be with FortisBC.
Blair Weston, FortisBC’s Indigenous and Community Relations Manager says if you have any doubts when approached by phone, online, or in person, by anyone affiliated to the company, reach out.
“ForticBC won’t show up unannounced to your door, we make an appointment,” said Weston.
“So, if somebody shows up at your door you know it won’t be us.”
“We don’t use high-pressure techniques and we don’t cold call folks.”
“So, if you’re getting pressure from an individual claiming they’re from FortisBC, just hang up the phone, if it’s a call, and phone into our call centres, and they can help you out and determine whether it’s us or not.”
“If it’s at the door ask to see people’s ID and don’t sign anything.”
These current scammers are using high-pressure tactics and are targeting the Kootenays.
“We’ve seen some instances around Cranbrook and in Creston as well as Kelowna, so they’re sort of spreading out throughout the interior of British Columbia.” Said Weston.
From suspicious phone calls, texts and phishing emails to social media posts, or even people knocking on their door, be be aware of the types of fraud or scams out there and know what you can do to protect themselves and their personal information.
“If in doubt, call us back, and that’s for anything out there, any scams, you just can’t be too careful about it.” Said Weston.
Pointers on how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam
Scammers may attempt to contact you by phone, claiming that your account payment is overdue or that your service will be disconnected. They may use high-pressure tactics and claim that immediate payment is required through digital currency (e.g. Bitcoin) or by prepaid credit card.
Sometimes fraudsters may mimic legitimate FortisBC emails to:
- make customers open an email
- click a link or attachment
- make a payment or give away personal information via phone or email
Some scammers send spam emails or texts disguised as FortisBC with spoofed email addresses, logos, trademarks, website links and wording to add to the deception.
Scammers may also contact you via text or email claiming to be FortisBC, issuing a refund and needing your banking information. If you click on the link you’ll be taken to pages that mimic direct deposit pages, asking you to select your bank and give your account details.
You may also see a suspicious sponsored ad when using Google to search for our contact information. These ads are created by bad actors who misrepresent themselves as FortisBC. If you call the number in the ad, the scammers will pressure you into giving them your credit card information to pay your bill.
Scammers may also go door-to-door in a bid to obtain personal or financial information from you.
For more information, see Protecting yourself from scams and fraud | FortisBC.
If you receive a suspicious visit, email or sales call should contact FortisBC immediately at 1-888-224-2710 or email [email protected].
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
