Toronto Hydro is warning customers about multiple scams

Customers are being threatened with disconnection

TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro wants customers to be aware of three separate scams that are currently operating. They involve text messages, emails and threatening phone calls.

The most recent scam uses fake bills — along with a personalized letter — that are emailed to customers. The scammers demand payment of $400 for a Smart Meter Deposit, which is not a legitimate charge, or power will be disconnected. Customers have also been contacted by phone. To help guard against becoming a victim of this fraud, customers should know their account number, and if they're suspicious of a bill, refer to a past invoice for comparison.

Some of our business and residential customers are also receiving emails and/or text messages that appear to be from Toronto Hydro, asking them to accept an electronic transfer (credit or refund) by clicking on a link. We never send these types of emails/text messages. We advise customers not to click on any links, as fraudsters are attempting to access personal information.

We also want to remind customers of an ongoing phone scam that's been operating for several years. Customers have received calls from phone numbers that look legitimate, with fraudsters claiming to be "Toronto Hydro Billing and Collection Process." These fraudsters demand payment, usually in the form of a pre-paid card. We never ask for this type of payment and never threaten to disconnect power immediately.  

To protect themselves, our customers should follow these tips:

• Don't provide any personal or account information if contacted by phone, email or text
• Don't make any type of payment until you can confirm you're dealing with Toronto Hydro
• Contact Toronto Hydro's Customer Care department at 416-542-8000 if you suspect any type of fraud
• Report suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and quote file number 844396.

QUOTES

"We're concerned about these new scams, and we want our customers to be protected from this type of fraudulent behaviour. We encourage them to call us directly to report any suspicious activity."

 -     Tori Gass, Spokesperson, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 765,000 customers located in the city of Toronto. It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 19% of the electricity consumed in the province of Ontario.

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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation