NDP warns Albertans of utilities rebate text scam

Jun 13, 2022 | 2:22 PM

The Alberta NDP is asking the UCP to give clear details to Albertans about how and when they will receive utility rebates.

Text scams have been targeting Albertans with fake links to claim money for the province’s utility rebate from the Canada Revenue Agency.

The Government of Alberta has indicated that the rebates will arrive directly on bills as early as June.

Opposition Energy Critic Kathleen Ganley says that “the UCP’s failure to create a clear, firm timeline and delivery for their rebates, their failure to communicate clearly and consistently about the program has created an enormous amount of anxiety amongst Albertans.”

Ganley says texts that are inviting those to click on a link to claim their rebate are a scam.

“These scammers are preying on the most vulnerable, on seniors and those who have less technical skill. As you can imagine, Albertans who are struggling, who are desperate and unable to pay their bills can be so easily misled into clicking on these things.”

The NDP is calling on the province to launch a public awareness campaign online to let Albertans know about these phone scams, as they have done in the past.

Ganley is also asking the UCP to “move immediately to release a clear timeline for rebate delivery.”

If you have received a scam email or text, you can report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Example of a text scam (Photo courtesy Alberta NDP)

by Erika Rolling