Calgary

WestJet again warns customers of credit card scam

Calgary-based WestJet is warning people not to give financial information to people who call claiming to represent the company and offering a prize for customer loyalty.

Company says fraudsters posing as WestJet employees are asking for financial information

Con artists purporting to be from WestJet and WestJet Vacations have called random numbers across the country for several years, says the Calgary-based company. (WestJet)

WestJet is warning people not to give out credit card numbers and other financial information to people claiming to represent the company. 

For several years, con artists purporting to be from WestJet and WestJet Vacations have called random numbers across the country telling people who respond they have won a prize for being loyal customers.

WestJet official Richard Bartrem said the company does not use telemarketers. (CBC)

The culprits tell their victims they require a credit card number to cover fees associated with claiming the prize. Once they have a number, the culprits use it to make fraudulent purchases. 

The airline said it does not use telemarketers.

"This phone scam, and other similar versions, continue to be a source of great frustration for our guests as well as for us," said WestJet vice-president Richard Bartrem.

"We would like to reassure Canadians once again that we are not making these annoying calls, and we apologize for the inconvenience," he said.

Anyone receiving a call is urged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.