January 15, 2014
Ergon Energy has warned that customers are being targeted with phishing emails seeking personal information and payment of bogus electricity accounts.
Group Manager Retail Service Channels Brett Milne said customers in the Highfield areas had received emails from a company called Pacific Gas & Electric in the past few days.
“These customers knew the emails were a scam and rang to alert Ergon. There are probably substantially more customers who have also received the same email,” Mr Milne said.
“To my knowledge there is no such electricity retailer as Pacific Gas & Electric offering services in regional Queensland.”
He said the emails are designed to seek credit card and personal information for fraudulent use.
“Phishing emails aren’t about buying something. They try to lure you by clicking on a link and entering your account and password information, which can then be used for financial gain.
“Our advice is never give out personal information over the phone or by email to people and or companies you don’t know.
“Customers receiving these emails should not respond but call the Office of Fair Trading hotline number 13-74-68 or contact them via their website or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300-302-502 or visit their website,” he said.
Mr Milne said the Ergon customers should be vigilant as scammers were becoming bolder in their attempts to elicit personal information.
