Hydro Ottawa warns of phone scam threatening disconnection

Hydro Ottawa says it has received an increase in reports from customers about suspicious callers who say they're utility representatives of the company and threaten to disconnect their hydro.

According to the company's announcement, this is the first event in 2020 where scammers have targeted Ottawa electricity customers. Hydro Ottawa says the Ottawa Police Services is aware of the scam. 

“Hydro Ottawa never threatens to disconnect power immediately, nor does it ask customers to meet its employees at a location to make payment,” Hydro Ottawa warned in a statement. 

As a result of increased fraudulent activity across the province last year, the company says Hydro Ottawa, Alectra Utilities, Hydro One and Toronto Hydro are working to “increase awareness about ongoing sophisticated scams targeting utility customers.” 

To help protect customers, Hydro Ottawa offers the following tips:

• Never make a payment for a charge that isn't listed on your most recent bill
• Ignore text messages or email with suspicious links to promising refunds
• Don't call the number provided to you. Instead, call Hydro Ottawa directly at 613-738-6400 to check the status of your account
• Do not provide any personal information or details about your account
• If you feel threatened in any way, contact 9-1-1 or the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222 ext. 5433.

If customers have been a victim of this or any other scam and fraud, visit Hydro Ottawa's Fraud Awareness page for what to do.