Heads up.
FortisBC is advising customers that scammers falsely claiming to represent their company are targeting people in the Kootenays.
Customers should be cautious if they have any doubts when approached by phone, online or in-person, by anyone claiming affiliation with FortisBC.
The company warns that fraudsters, scammers and companies using high-pressure tactics will sometimes contact members of the public by pretending to be an employee or representative of FortisBC.
From suspicious phone calls, texts and phishing emails to social media posts, or even people knocking at the door, FortisBC wants residents to be aware of the types of fraud and scams out there and what they can do to protect themselves and their personal information.
Pointers from FortisBC 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.
If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be from FortisBC, the best thing to do is hang up and contact the company directly to confirm if the call was valid.
Scammers may use high-pressure tactics and claim that immediate payment is required through digital currency, such as 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 asking for 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.
It’s important to know that FortisBC does not send unsolicited text or SMS messages to customers or post fraudulent information on social media.
If the company is issuing a refund, it will be through a credit on your account, or a cheque that is mailed to you.
If you receive a valid email from FortisBC, it will be in response to a request or inquiry you’ve already made that requires a customer service representative to contact you.
You may also see a suspicious sponsored ad when using Google to search for the company’s 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.
FortisBC will never ask you for your: social insurance number; driver’s licence number; passwords; financial information by email or text; or payment through digital currency or a prepaid credit card.
“Customer security and privacy are very important to us,” the company advises.
“Customers who receive a suspicious visit, email or sales call should contact us immediately at 1-888-224-2710.”
The company can also be reached by email at fraudprevention@fortisbc.com for less urgent requests.
For more information visit fortisbc.com.
Type “protecting from scammers” in the search bar on the home page.
