NB Power warns of phone scam

NB Power is warning its customers about a new telephone scam that offers people the opportunity to save up to 40 per cent on their power bill.

The utility has received several reports about someone telemarketing a phoney product that's supposed to save energy, said spokesman John McLaughlin.

"They call and they offer a device for about $150 to $200 and [say] this device can save you up to 40 per cent on your electric bill."

NB Power is not selling any such device, nor has it approved any such device, said McLaughlin.

"You know, the old adage is true, if it [sounds] too good to be true, it probably is."

The caller says he is from NB Power, or 'your local utility,' and asks for a credit card number, said McLaughlin.

Anyone who receives such a call should phone the police, or the PhoneBusters Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501, he said.

"We want to nip it in the bud."

The PhoneBusters line handled more than 12,000 complaints about telephone scams last year - everything from promises of prizes, and bogus services, to unexpected inheritances.

About 2,000 people said they were victims, reportedly being taken for more than $3 million.