Mr. Chethan Lakshman reports

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - SHAW WARNS CUSTOMERS OF SCAM PHONE CALLS

Shaw Communications Inc. is warning customers of fraudulent phone calls claiming to be from the company. Shaw has received numerous complaints from concerned citizens saying they have received phone calls from someone posing as a Shaw agent and asking for personal information.

The calls, which usually originate from a blocked caller ID or from overseas, claim to be calling for various reasons. From account information requiring an update, to billing issues or a customer reward -- the reasons for the call require customers to divulge banking or account information to the caller. Additionally, with this type of scam call, a recorded voice may answer the phone before being transferred to a live representative.

Under CRTC rules, all outgoing calls from Shaw must be identifiable by a local or toll-free phone number and will never appear as a blocked or overseas caller ID.

Shaw would like to remind its customers that if they do receive a call, the Shaw agent will have account information on hand and will always confirm it with the customer for identification purposes. A Shaw agent will never ask for bank account or credit card information to confirm a customer's identity and this information should not be volunteered until the identity of the caller has been confirmed.

If you believe your bank account, credit card or account information may be at risk, you should take steps immediately to secure your accounts by contacting the company concerned immediately. Please contact Shaw for assistance in securing your account if you believe it has been compromised.

Shaw encourages customers to report potential fraudulent calls claiming to be from Shaw by contacting the company directly at 1-888-472-2222 or on its website.

For further information about this type of phone scam, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.