Guelph hairdressers, restaurants targeted in telephone hydro scam
Guelph Hydro tells customers to 'hang up immediately' if they receive this kind of call
Small businesses like nail salons, hairdressers and family-run restaurants in Guelph have been receiving threatening phone calls, warning them if they don't pay an outstanding hydro bill, their power will be cut immediately.
But Guelph Hydro warns it's a scam.
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The caller tells the business owner there's an overdue amount on their bill and tells them to pay up. The caller even provides an employee number and a 1-800 number in order to seem legitimate.
Guelph Hydro sent out a notice to customers saying it "never threatens to disconnect service with little or no notice" and will never ask someone to pay their bill using a pre-paid credit card, gift card or wire transfer.
"Guelph Hydro only resorts to disconnection of service after following the process laid out by the Ontario Energy Board with regard to past due accounts and possible disconnections," the utility said.
"As part of this process, Guelph Hydro provides multiple notices by mail or telephone, the opportunity to arrange a payment plan to avoid disconnection and, whenever possible, at least 48 hours' notice before disconnection occurs."
Anyone who receives one of these calls is asked to contact police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Do not provide any personal information, banking information and they should "hang up immediately."