Three men in high visibility vests asking people for their gas bill and possible entry to their home have raised the ire of residents in Port Coquitlam.
But there’s a simple fix when someone shows up at your door unannounced, says the Coquitlam RCMP.
Tell them to go away, there’s a pandemic on.
That’s the advice from Coquitlam RCMP and Fortis BC after a number of residents reported on Facebook that three 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, spokesperson for the Coquitlam RCMP.
She said police have also received a report about three men knocking on doors in Port Coquitlam.
The post on the Port Coquitlam Community page asks people to be careful.
COOL SEASON BRINGS OUT SALES PITCHES
“I got a visit today from three men in reflective vests claiming to be representatives from FortisBC asking to see my bill and enter my home to check whatever. They did not have identification and I threatened to the call the police and they left. This was reported to the PoCo police. Stay safe everyone!”
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. Fut 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 to the Tri-City News.
BE CAUTIOUS, ALERT FORTIS BC
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.”
This isn’t the first time this has happened. In 2017, Fortis BC put out a statement warning Tri-City residents after the utility received a spike in complaints of people showing up unannounced, claiming to offer appliance or meter inspections.
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
