Letter to the editor
A number of people in the Kootenays have recently reported getting fraudulent phone calls from a company falsely claiming to represent FortisBC.
We’d like to get the word out that people should be cautious if they have any doubts when approached by phone, online or in person by anyone claiming affiliation with our company.
Fraudsters, scammers or 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 on their door, we want B.C. residents to be aware of the types of fraud or scams out there and what they can do to protect themselves and their personal information.
Here are some 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. 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 www.fortisbc.com/accounts-billing/protecting-yourself-from-scams-and-fraud#tab-0
Customer security and privacy are very important to us. Customers who receive a suspicious visit, email or sales call should contact us immediately at 1-888-224-2710. We can also be reached by email at [email protected] for less urgent requests.
Blair Weston, manager,
community and Indigenous
relations, FortisBC
