A telephone scam has been going around The Lakeland targeting local businesses. The Bonnyville RCMP Detachment received a call from ATCO Group Corporate Security advising of a scam that has affected businesses in The Lakeland by people using the ATCO name.
Businesses have received calls from a person identifying themselves as an ATCO Electric Employee with their legitimate toll- free number being shown on call display, however they were later provided a separate call back number. The businesses were advised that an ATCO employee would be there in 2 hours to disconnect service unless the business paid a specified amount with a prepaid re-loadable credit card. Should you receive a call from ATCO that does not seem legitimate, get off the phone with the caller and call ATCO back at their legitimate toll free number 1-800-668-2248.
The Bonnyville RCMP Detachment has not received any complaints from local businesses regarding the scam even though it has been reported to Corporate Security. The Bonnyville RCMP would like to remind local citizens to report scams to the RCMP along with the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre @ 1-888-495-8501.