Men in high visibility vests asking people for their gas bill and possible entry to their home have sparked a warning from a Burnaby resident.
A North Burnaby resident contacted the NOW about this happening at their door, but wanted didn’t want their name used.
“I wasn’t sure what to do,” said the woman, who lives in a single-detached home in the Montecito area. “I just shook my head and closed the door.”
That’s a good response, according to RCMP.
Tell them to go away, there’s a pandemic on say RCMP and Fortis BC following complaints from the public that men were going door to door and asking to see their utility bills.
“The clear message across the board, if you’re not expecting someone at the door, the pandemic is the best reason not to let anyone in,” said Const. Deanna Law.
Police in the nearby Tri-Cities area have also received the same complaint from multiple residents.
It’s not unusual for salesman to go door-to-door to sell heating or gas upgrades this time of year, according to Fortis BC. But the gas company doesn’t send employees or contractors out to homes without an appointment — unless there’s a gas emergency.
“From time to time, companies using high-pressure sales tactics will use FortisBC’s name in order to establish a point of trust with unsuspecting customers. We want to bring awareness to this issue of salespeople claiming to be from FortisBC. It’s important for the public to know that FortisBC does not conduct door-to-door sales,” said Fortis corporate communications advisor, Diana Sorace, in an emailed statement.
She further added that FortisBC will never visit a customer’s home asking to inspect their natural gas equipment, offer upgrades to appliances or see a bill.
“This is why we are asking customers to be cautious and alert us immediately if they receive a visit from someone claiming to be from FortisBC.”
“The only time we would come to your door is to notify you of a natural gas disruption, emergency, access your meter or advise you of construction work happening in your the area.”
If you receive a visit from someone claiming to be from FortisBC ask for their information and call the company at 1-888-224-2710.
The link for more information is at: www.fortisbc.com/doortodoor
- With files from Diane Strandberg, Tri-City News
