Updated January 29, 2024

If you receive a knock at your door and someone asks to see your furnace, consider this―the person might not be who they say they are. Every year, FortisBC receives a number of inquiries and complaints relating to persons claiming to be from FortisBC visiting customers’ homes and asking to inspect their furnaces or other appliances. Likewise, we field queries from people who have received suspicious emails, or have seen online advertisements or job listings claiming to come from FortisBC.

Door-to-door sales visits and online outreach often occur in every industry, but sometimes a salesperson may pose as a well-respected brand or company, when they are not. And sometimes an online ad or an email may look genuine when it is anything but.

Five things to know about door-to-door scams:

1. FortisBC does not solicit door-to-door.

From time to time, a FortisBC representative could come to your door if there is a gas disruption or emergency or to notify you if there will be construction work in your area. We are there to provide information or assistance―such as to relight a gas appliance―not to upgrade or sell you appliances.

2. We do not perform unscheduled inspections.

Be cautious of anyone who shows up unannounced claiming to be from FortisBC offering appliance inspections. If you are unsure, ask for their information and call us to verify.

3. Our representatives will always carry FortisBC identification.

Always ask for photo identification and get the name of the person offering the services and the business or firm they represent.

4. If you ask the salesperson to leave, they must leave.

If you ask the salesperson to leave, they must leave right away. If you feel unsafe, call 911.

5. Do not provide your personal information

When in doubt, do not provide your personal information and do not show them your FortisBC bill (it contains personal and confidential information).

Five ways to report suspicious activity:

1. Contact us to verify a representative.

If you receive a suspicious visit from someone claiming to be a FortisBC representative, call us. You can be certain you’re speaking to a FortisBC customer service representative if you contact FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710.

2. We never ask customers for Social Insurance Numbers, driver’s licence numbers, passwords or financial information by email or in online advertising.

If you receive an email that appears to be from FortisBC, but you’re not sure about it, do not click on links, open attachments, download pictures, forward it or respond to it. Similarly, if you see an ad claiming to be from FortisBC on an online classified advertising site, but are unsure whether it is real, do not respond to it or click any included links. Instead, contact us immediately at 1-888-224-2710 and we’ll confirm whether the email or advertisement was from us. You can also email us at [email protected] for less urgent requests.

3. Report potential cases of fraud.

If you believe you've been a victim of fraud, report it online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. As well, let your local police department know.

4. Report instances of misleading marketing practices.

Report instances of misleading or deceptive marketing practices to the Competition Bureau using their online complaint form or by phone at 1-800-348-5358.

5. Report suspicious sales activities.

You can report suspicious sales activities in your neighbourhood to Crime Stoppers.

Customers who have spotted a scam

Our concerned customers have shared their stories in the news. Learn about their experiences and what to look out for:

• Burnaby resident warns about fake Fortis employees at door (Burnaby Now)
• Port Coquitlam resident concerned about sales tactics (Tri City News)
• Homeowners beware: FortisBC warns of suspicious door-to-door sales (CTV News Vancouver, McLaughlin On Your Side)
• Unsolicited door-to-door furnace sales rep tells customer false information to enter contract (Global News, Consumer Matters)