Scam Awareness
Energy and electricity related scams are on the rise. The Ontario Energy Board has reported a 70% increase in these types of scams in recent months.
Scams can be perpetrated through phone calls, text messages, e-mails, social media ads and home visits. The scammers often claim to be affiliated with Halton Hills Hydro, Ontario Energy Board or other government programs.
Some of the current scams include:
- COVID-19 related rebate scams
- Payment scams threatening disconnection of electricity
- Payment being requested through wire transfer, gift cards, bitcoin or pre-paid credit card
- Payments requested to be delivered to unusual locations such as a gas station or convenience store
- Home visits/audits to receive some sort of rebate
- Fake Facebook pages or websites impersonating the Ontario Energy Board or other government sites.
- Rebate scams targeting senior citizens
Protect yourself from scams:
- Don’t be afraid to say no. This is the best way to protect yourself from a scam. If you are at all suspicious about a call, message or visit you receive, just hang up or say no.
- Do not click on links in suspicious e-mails or text messages.
- Do not click on suspicious social media ads. There have been a number of fake Facebook pages that use logos for legitimate organizations or government bodies but promote fake programs.
- Do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the identity of the caller.
- Do contact us directly. Visit our website at www.haltonhillshydro.com or call us at 519-853-3701.
Be Aware:
The Ontario Energy Board and the government will not phone, email or text to promote energy saving programs or to offer in-home inspections.
Halton Hills Hydro will never ask to see a copy of your bill and will never ask you to pay via wire-transfer, bitcoin, gift cards or pre-paid credit cards.
We encourage people to share this information with friends or family members who might be vulnerable to scammers.
Who to Contact:
Halton Hills Hydro
519-853-3701 or haltonhillshydro.com
Ontario Energy Board
1-877-632-2727 or oeb.ca
Consumer Protection Ontario Report a Scam
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca