Release Date: 13 December 2006
Western Power is warning residents not to believe hoax calls advising customers by phone that their power will be turned off shortly.
The scam involves offering residents a generator to hire for the duration of the outage and asking them for their credit card details.
A number of hoax calls have been reported in the metropolitan area including Quinns Rock, Duncraig, Greenwood and Peppermint Grove.
Residents in the metropolitan area will always receive a letter from Western Power to alert them to any planned disruptions to power.
Western Power does not offer to hire out generators when it carries out work on its network, and does not ask for customers' credit card details.
If you receive a call and your telephone has caller ID, please make a note of the phone number and report the instance to Department of Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54.
If customers would like to confirm any planned power outages or have any further concerns, please contact Western Power on 13 13 51.
Police and Consumer Protection have been notified.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 13 December 2006
