Following
Wednesday's advisory on the newest door-to-door scam, ENMAX is issuing another warning to the public regarding an
old phone scam that has yet again become active.
In this latest iteration, vet clinics or other animal-related businesses appear to be the target. Similar to last year's scam where restaurants were being contacted, these businesses are being told their account is in arrears and immediate payment is required in order to avoid imminent disconnection.
The scammers go on to request unusual forms of payment such as iTunes cards or prepaid credit cards that are available at many retailers – none of which are accepted as payment by ENMAX. Prepaid cards are preferred by the con artists because once the number is given out there is no mechanism to block a charge or dispute it down the road.
"Thankfully, at this point we have not heard of anyone falling victim to the scam, though this has happened in the past," said Doris Kaufmann Woodcock, ENMAX spokesperson. "When an account is truly in arrears, ENMAX makes every effort to advise customers ahead of time, and even set up mutually agreeable payment arrangements, well in advance of disconnections taking place."
Calgary Police are well aware of this scam but can do little about it beyond warning people. Despite caller ID numbers appearing to the recipient as being local, the origin of the calls are typically unknown but are suspected to be coming from outside Canada.
Hints that you may be speaking to a fraudster:
- ENMAX does not do surprise disconnections;
- ENMAX does not threaten, yell, swear or intimidate customers to demand immediate payment;
- ENMAX does not take prepaid credit cards, iTunes cards or other unusual forms of payment;
- ENMAX will not stay on the phone with a customer while they drive to pick up a payment card;
- Legitimate ENMAX calls are made from Calgary – poor audio quality can be an indicator that the call did not originate locally;
- Any phone number that customers are asked to call can first be verified by calling the ENMAX Customer Care Centre toll free at 310-2010.
About ENMAX
ENMAX Corporation, through its subsidiaries, makes, moves and sells electricity to residential, small business and large commercial customers and is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with offices in Edmonton. ENMAX Power Corporation owns and operates transmission and distribution infrastructure in Calgary and ENMAX Energy Corporation owns diverse electricity generation facilities throughout the province. Since 2007, ENMAX has been named one of Alberta's Top Employers. ENMAX Energy is currently the retailer of choice for both The City of Calgary and The City of Edmonton.