Fake EDF, Enedis or Orange technicians and canvassers are unsurprisingly taking advantage of the devastation caused by storms Ciaran and Domingos to penetrate the vulnerabilities of the unfortunate victims. Here’s how to avoid falling prey to these scammers.
Storm Ciaran left many victims distraught behind it. The one following closely, the storm named Domingos, is also causing damage this weekend in France. So inevitably, like any good disaster, scams abound, and unscrupulous individuals rush to the gate, whether it rains, winds or snows.
In addition to the telephone approach, which does not stop and against which you have the weapons to protect yourself, you must also be wary of so-called opportunistic technicians from EDF, Orange or Enedis who show up without warning at your door, for interventions that you have not requested.
Vehicle, professional card, identity: be meticulous with the canvassers who knock on your door
Victims must remain vigilant against fake technicians who claim to work for a particular telephone operator or electricity supplier or other. Please keep in mind that these companies do not carry out door-to-door canvassing, and that any intervention must in any case be requested in advance by the customer or operator, with notification by e-mail or SMS.
The technicians’ company vehicles must also be identifiable, and the people who come to you must present a professional card. If they don’t do it spontaneously, never forget to ask.
Fake craftsmen, such as plumbers or pruners, also represent a risk. Without a company name on their vehicles, they can easily claim to be mandated by your town hall or your department. The urgency helps, unfortunately, to make this situation more credible. Victims are then encouraged to politely decline, because the quality of their work is uncertain, and they could operate in dangerous conditions.
Let us add, in addition, the possible questionable quality of the work. Direct sellers will often try to overcharge for services that would cost less if you went through approved companies.
Report any abusive canvassing
So to avoid scams, it is essential to ask the right questions. Let’s say that a craftsman who claims to be a partner of the town hall, EDF or Orange rings your doorbell without you having done anything. From the outset, you have to be suspicious. The direct seller’s professional card must contain the company name. And for his part, the direct seller does not have to ask you for bank details, identity papers or copies of invoices.
When canvassing, it is best to refuse to sign documents that you do not understand, and to refuse to pay the canvassers. If in doubt, remember to note the vehicle registration, always a useful measure.
If you are the victim of abusive canvassing, you can, however, contest the contracts and file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie. A report on the SignalConso Fraud Repression tool (online or via the application) is also strongly recommended. If you’re trapped online, head to the government agency Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. Children are often told not to talk to strangers. As futile as this may seem, it is especially true for adults in the event of a disaster. Always be careful who you open your door to or talk to on the phone.
Sources: Clubic, The Dispatch
1