Local police issue warning about HVAC scam targeting seniors

A warning from local police forces about a suspected fraud in the area.

The Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ottawa Police Service (OPS) are warning everyone, particularly seniors, of the scam involving HVAC systems.

“We have been made aware about an individual, claiming to be a member of Consumer Protection Ontario or other variations of the name,” said the Ottawa OPP and OPS in a joint release.

“This person has been targeting members of the seniors’ community, asking questions about their heating and air conditioning equipment. He then offers to help them by lowering payments and to remove the Notices of Security Interest.”

Police say the fraudster offers to come to your home to take pictures of existing equipment as a way to get inside. He also uses the term “Greener Homes” in an e-mail address which is a reference to a federal rebate program.

A reminder from both the OPP and OPS that the Government of Ontario will never contact you directly to ask for personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your banking information or your health information.

Also, the province will never offer you money or sign you up for a rebate program.

If you receive such a phone call, you’re urged to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).

If you are unsure if it is a scam, please contact Consumer Protection Ontario.

If you have questions about your consumer rights, they can be reached, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or toll-free TTY at 1-877-666-6545.

You can also contact Consumer Protection Ontario via their website at Ontario.ca