The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Alberta and East Kootenays is warning people of a new phone scam.
A person posing as a BBB or chamber of commerce member calls asked employees if the business is planning to relocate.
Companies are having their identity assumed and taken over by the con artists who use its newly acquired address to solicit money online, according to Kara Hendriksen, spokesperson for BBB Alberta and East Kootenays.
“They’re targeting businesses moving or going out of business,” said Hendriksen. “They use that address to make themselves look legitimate. We’re not exactly sure what the point of the phone calls is.”
Hendriksen reported 10 calls over the last three months, including one she got at BBB offices in Calgary where the scammer called up, attempting to con her.
“We received a call from the caller, pretending to be from the (Calgary) Chamber of Commerce, asking if we we’re moving,” said Hendriksen, who asked the person for a callback number. “They never called back.”
Calls have been reported from Alaska to Texas and Hendriksen reminds businesses to take a common sense approach with scammers.
“Just don’t give out sensitive information over the phone, go with your gut,” she said. “If you get a call from the BBB, we will identify ourselves very clearly.”
High Lock Security Company in Calgary was targeted last week and President Charlie Whitten wasn’t sure what to make of it.
“This woman phones up, has a slight accent and she wanted to know about where we were moving, but we’re not moving,” he said. “It does sound weird because if you just happen to be somebody who was moving, it would be a different thing.”
“If you’re ever uncertain as to who’s calling you, ask for verification or tell them you will call them back,” said Hendriksen.
For more information, visit www.calgary.bbb.org or call 403-517-4222.
BBB cutline
The Better Business Bureau is warning people to be mindful of a new phone scam targeting local businesses. A person will call and ask if your business is relocating. The BBB is telling people to press for details or ask for verification to ensure the call is legitimate.
