Protect Yourself from Fraud
You’ve heard the stories in the news. You’ve seen the warnings from your local utility. Fraudsters are growing increasingly prolific and sophisticated in their attempts to target Ontario electricity consumers. And they tend ramp up when consumers are most vulnerable — during holidays or peak business times.
According to the RCMP, hydro utility scams are active in several provinces and have targeted thousands of unsuspecting businesses and residential customers.
Scammers will typically tell you they are calling from your local utility, threatening to disconnect your power unless you pay immediately by credit card or wire transfer. Some even use sophisticated software to show the utility’s name on call display.
Know the Facts
- Local utilities NEVER demand that you pay immediately by credit card or wire transfer over the phone.
- Local utilities NEVER threaten to disconnect your power suddenly.
- In Ontario, local utilities are prohibited BY LAW from disconnecting your power during winter months.
Protect Yourself
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If someone calls threatening to disconnect your power unless you make a payment immediately,
say no and hang up!
- If you receive a call, text or email from individuals or telemarketers claiming to represent your local hydro utility, NEVER give out your personal or financial information over the phone, text or email.
- When in doubt, call your utility and ask about your account.
- If you receive a call, text or email you believe is fraudulent, report the incident to your utility and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495-8501.