Mercury Energy warns of phone scam

Scammers claiming to be from power companies are trying to get Christchurch residents' credit card details by claiming Red Cross "assistance payment", Mercury Energy warns. Photo / file

Scammers claiming to be from power companies are trying to get Christchurch residents' credit card details by claiming Red Cross "assistance payments", Mercury Energy warns.

Mercury Energy yesterday released a statement which said there was no Red Cross "assistance payment" scheme in place.

"We would like to echo Police sentiment in Christchurch in which they are warning residents to be cautious about providing bank and credit card details over the phone.

"If you're unsure as to whether the caller and the request are authentic, simply do not disclose your personal information as doing so could put you at risk."