A warning from Trail police about scammers knocking on doors in this city is particularly timely, given March is Fraud Prevention Month.
On the night of March 1, the Greater Trail RCMP detachment received a report that two Indo-Canadian males were walking along Regan Crescent in Sunningdale, claiming to be employees from FortisBC.
Sgt. Mike Wicentowich says the men, described as around 30 years in age, were wearing high visibility vests and identification tags.
“The males approached residents at the homes and were asking for personal billing information,” he reported Monday.
“FortisBC confirmed with the RCMP that they do not send their employees to canvass in neighbourhoods to collect billing information or payments,” Wicentowich emphasized.
“These two males are believed to be fraudulently obtaining person information for unknown purposes.”
Trail police are asking the public to report any future similar occurrences to the RCMP immediately.
The Trail and Greater District RCMP detachment can be contacted directly at 250.364.2566.
FortisBC has a list for , “What you need to know when a stranger comes knocking.”
• FortisBC does not solicit door-to-door. From time-to-time, a FortisBC representative could come to your door if there is a gas disruption or emergency or to notify you if there will be construction work in your area. The company is there to provide information or assistance only, not to come into your home to upgrade or sell you appliances.
• Be cautious of anyone who shows up unannounced claiming to be from FortisBC offering appliance inspections. If you are unsure, ask for their information and call us to verify.
• Always ask for photo identification and get the name of the person offering the services and the business or firm they represent.
• If you ask the salesperson to leave, they must leave right away. If you feel unsafe, call your local police department.
• When in doubt, do not provide your personal information, do not show them your FortisBC bill (it contains personal and confidential information) and do not let the visitor into your home.