Scammer posing as ENMAX employee
The Calgary Police Service and ENMAX are alerting Calgarians to a new door-to-door fraud involving people posing as ENMAX employees.
On Friday, July 17, 2015, police were called to a residence in the 400 block of 71 Avenue S.E. by a woman who claimed she’d been defrauded two days before. Officers learned that on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at approximately noon, a man dressed in what appeared be an ENMAX uniform, carrying a clipboard and a tool box knocked on the woman’s door.
The man told her she had a late bill and unless it was paid right then and in cash, he was going to disconnect her electricity. He then pulled out a wrench and asked the woman where her meter was.
The woman was extremely concerned as a child in the home requires medical care through the use of a machine which uses electricity. After asking how much she allegedly owed, the man stated he needed $837.56. The victim told the man she only had $600 in cash at that time and could pay the remainder by cheque. The man refused the cheque, took the cash and indicated he would be back in two weeks for the remaining balance if she did not pay before then. No receipt was issued and the man left on foot.
The victim discovered the fraud when she called ENMAX to arrange what she believed was the final payment and was told her account was not in arrears.
The man is described as Caucasian, between 30 and 40 years old, approximately 6’ tall, with short reddish hair and a skinny build with broad shoulders. He was dressed in red coveralls with a blue or black ball cap and had what appeared to be an ENMAX tag.
From time to time, people may see legitimate ENMAX workers – such as meter readers or repair crews – throughout Calgary. However it is important to note that ENMAX does not sell product door-to-door and under no circumstances ever asks for on-the-spot payment at someone’s home or business.
Citizens can protect themselves using the following practices:
- Do not feel pressure to respond to a request until they have a chance to verify the story.
- Never transfer money, give cash or cheques, or give out credit card or other financial information, until you can verify the person's identity and the story, and determine whether it is legitimate. Never provide cash to someone showing up in person at your door.
- Visit www.enmax.com or look at your bill ENMAX advises that they will never solicit funds door to door.
- ENMAX customers are encouraged to log into their ENMAX account online at www.enmax.com/sign-in, or to call 310-2010 toll free in Alberta to check their account status.
- If you feel pressured by someone at your door who will not leave, close the door and call the police at the non-emergency line. If you feel threatened call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Assist police by obtaining as many details as you can with a description and any vehicle information that you can provide.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
Case #15296124/3420