Money lost after false threat of power disconnection
A Northbridge business has lost $6,000 after getting calls from a scammer claiming to be from Synergy, WA’s largest energy retailer, and threatening to disconnect their power.
Consumer Protection and Synergy have launched an investigation after the business paid $3,000 each into two bank accounts in Victoria.
The male claiming to be from Synergy rang the proprietor of the business three times regarding an alleged overdue account and threatened to disconnect their power unless the payments were made immediately.
Synergy have confirmed they did not contact the customer requesting the overdue amount be paid immediately. Synergy asks customer’s to remain diligent and to contact Synergy directly to verify any request should they be concerned.
Acting Commissioner from Consumer Protection David Hillyard said it is common for scammers to cold call consumers pretending to represent government departments and businesses like Synergy.
“These calls often come with threats and create a sense of urgency so the recipient of the call doesn’t have the time to check the authenticity of the demand,” Mr Hillyard said.
“Consumers and businesses should think carefully when they get a demand for payment out the blue like this, and independently contact the organisation to verify if the demand is genuine.
“Also consider whether that organisation would act in this way for an overdue account and why you haven’t received a written letter of demand. Resist the temptation to act in haste as it will be almost impossible to recover the money once it is sent.
“Other scam calls have involved people pretending to be from the tax office or police, threatening arrest if a fake fine is not paid immediately. They rely on people reacting out of fear without questioning the demand, so stop and think and take time to confirm it directly with the organisation being represented.”
More information on scams is available at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au or enquiries can be made by contacting WA ScamNet on 1300 30 40 54.