**Tricky Scam Alert: Nova Scotia Power Customer Falls Victim to Elaborate Phone Fraud**
When Drew Kaulback of West Hants, Nova Scotia sat down to pay his Nova Scotia Power bill, he never expected the shocking twist that awaited him. Like most people, he searched online for the utility’s phone number, only to fall prey to an elaborate scam.
A toll-free number surfaced as the top result, posing as Nova Scotia Power, drawing Kaulback into a trap orchestrated by scammers. The imposter on the other end of the line requested personal information such as Kaulback’s account number, birthdate, and offered payment options by credit card or email transfer.
Refusing to be duped easily, Kaulback demanded proof of legitimacy from the scammer, who astonishingly provided accurate details regarding Kaulback’s billing history. Assured by this information, Kaulback proceeded to divulge his credit card information.
However, red flags emerged when the scammer concocted a story about a pending payment issue requiring Kaulback to contact his bank. Sensing something amiss, Kaulback reached out to his bank, which in turn flagged the transaction as a scam, promptly blocking it.
Casey Spears of Nova Scotia Power acknowledged the rise in fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting customers, with scammers employing sophisticated tactics to evade detection. Meanwhile, Jeff Horncastle from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre emphasized the prevalence of sponsored links designed to deceive individuals by appearing as legitimate sources.
In a bid to reassure the public, Google spokesperson affirmed strict ad policies aimed at combatting scams and reiterated the company’s commitment to removing deceptive ads promptly.
Left grappling with the aftermath of the scheme, Kaulback is now in the midst of securing his accounts and urging others to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited phone calls, especially regarding sensitive information.
In a sea of digital deception, the need for vigilance is more crucial than ever. Stay safe, stay informed.
(Source: CBC Nova Scotia)
When Drew Kaulback of West Hants, Nova Scotia sat down to pay his Nova Scotia Power bill, he never expected the shocking twist that awaited him. Like most people, he searched online for the utility’s phone number, only to fall prey to an elaborate scam.
A toll-free number surfaced as the top result, posing as Nova Scotia Power, drawing Kaulback into a trap orchestrated by scammers. The imposter on the other end of the line requested personal information such as Kaulback’s account number, birthdate, and offered payment options by credit card or email transfer.
Refusing to be duped easily, Kaulback demanded proof of legitimacy from the scammer, who astonishingly provided accurate details regarding Kaulback’s billing history. Assured by this information, Kaulback proceeded to divulge his credit card information.
However, red flags emerged when the scammer concocted a story about a pending payment issue requiring Kaulback to contact his bank. Sensing something amiss, Kaulback reached out to his bank, which in turn flagged the transaction as a scam, promptly blocking it.
Casey Spears of Nova Scotia Power acknowledged the rise in fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting customers, with scammers employing sophisticated tactics to evade detection. Meanwhile, Jeff Horncastle from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre emphasized the prevalence of sponsored links designed to deceive individuals by appearing as legitimate sources.
In a bid to reassure the public, Google spokesperson affirmed strict ad policies aimed at combatting scams and reiterated the company’s commitment to removing deceptive ads promptly.
Left grappling with the aftermath of the scheme, Kaulback is now in the midst of securing his accounts and urging others to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited phone calls, especially regarding sensitive information.
In a sea of digital deception, the need for vigilance is more crucial than ever. Stay safe, stay informed.
(Source: CBC Nova Scotia)
