Enmax, other utility firms unite against scammers

Scammers posing as Enmax employees continues to be a problem, the Calgary-based power provider says, so it’s teaming with other North American utility companies to knock the fraudsters down. The ruse is nothing new locally. Over the past couple of years, Enmax has had more than 150 reports of scammers calling and showing up on the doorsteps of residential and business customers. And they are aggressive. “Frequently, small businesses such as restaurants and veterinary clinics are victimized. We’ve had complaints from customers throughout the province, but also know this issue goes well beyond our borders,” Enmax spokeswoman Doris Kaufmann Woodcock said.

“Most have not fallen prey, but those who do typically face heightened pressure to acquiesce.

“We’ve heard of scammers threatening restaurant owners with disconnection right before their busy dinner rush, or intimidating individuals who have sensitive medical equipment in their home to pay up immediately or lose their medical support.”

In response, Enmax is now working with more than 80 of its fellow utility companies from across Canada and the United States, as Utilities United Against Scams, with the hope their collective voices will reach more vulnerable customers than any one could alone.

Anyone who believes they’ve been the target of scammers posing as Enmax employees, whether the attempt was successful or not, is encouraged to call police at 403-266-1234 as well as Enmax at 403-310-2010.