Invercargill Police are investigating a complaint where a bogus caller claiming to be from Contact Energy has targeted an elderly customer.
This scam is similar to a number of complaints in Christchurch and Wellington in the last month where the elderly have been targeted by callers claiming to be from various power suppliers.
The customer is advised their electricity payment is overdue and power will be cut off if payment is not made that day. Personal and banking information is obtained and bank accounts have been accessed.
Police advise customers who receive any such calls to not provide any bank account information over the phone. They should instead make contact direct with their power supplier to determine the authenticity of the call.
ENDS
Released by Senior Sergeant Darryl Lennane, Southern Police