Release:

Lunenburg District RCMP is warning the public of two recent reports of someone posing as a Nova Scotia Power employee and calling residents to request payment in gift cards.

On May 1 and again today, Lunenburg District RCMP had complaints where a caller stated the householder’s power meter was changed or needed to be changed immediately and a payment was required. The caller then requested the person on the line call a 1-800 number to pay. Once they called that number, the caller requested that payment be made in gift cards. One person provided over $1,000 in gift cards and later called police. The other person was asked to provide over $1,000 in gift cards but hung up and called police.

“Anyone who calls or emails you requesting payment in gift cards or crypto-currency is a scam,” says 
Cpl. Wayne Ross of Nova Scotia RCMP Financial Crime Section. “Never provide them personal or financial information.” 

Nova Scotia Power employees never initiate a request for payment over the phone. The only way to pay a bill with Nova Scotia Power is by calling their customer service line at 1-800-428-6230  or through the secure website at www.nspower.ca. Nova Scotia Power will not accept payment in the form of gift cards.

The RCMP is asking anyone who receives this type of call or has information regarding the person(s) making these calls to report it to their local police. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

The investigation is ongoing.