Be Aware Of Scams
The Ontario Energy Board has identified that there has been 77 per cent increase in the number of reported energy scams to its contact centre. Frauds are being perpetraed through phone calls, texts, emails, social media, advertisements and home visits. Calls threatening to disconnect services are false; there is an annual disconnection ban in Ontario between November 15 and April 30. Note that customers of Unit Sub-Meter Providers are not protected by the ban.
Speak with friends or family members who might be more vulnerable about the scams you are aware of to help protect them.
For more tips visit oeb.ca/scams
If you are ever unsure, call us at 519-737-6640 to verify your account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go to report a scam or get more information?
A: To report a possible scam contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll-free at 1-888-495-8501
If you are concerned about any suspicious communications on social media, by email, by phone, text or door-to-door contact OEB at 1-877-632-2727 or oeb.ca/scams
Where can I go to get help paying my energy bill?
A: The Ministry and utilities offer a number of energy support programs such as the Ontario Electricity Support Program ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/ and Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Learn how to apply: oeb.ca/BillHelp
Q4: How can I verify that a call about my energy service is legitimate?
A: If you are unsure, do not provide any information, hang up and call 519-737-6640. Also, know that a utility, the OEB, government and representatives from the Save On Energy program will not “cold call”. They will only respond if you reach out first.
Q5: What if my power or natural gas service gets disconnected if I don’t pay immediately?
Only your utility can disconnect your service. Electricity and natural gas companies will never disconnect your service without first mailing bill payment reminders and a disconnection notice. And there is an annual disconnection ban in the province between November 15 and April 30. Customers of unit sub-meter providers are not protected by this ban.
Q6. What things should I look out for?
1) A call from someone posing to be from your utility that you did not reach out to first.
2) Someone demanding payment and threatening to immediately disconnect you. Your utility will not disconnect you before first sending bill payment reminders and a disconnection notice.
3) A request to pay your bill using gift cards, cash, or cryptocurrency. Utilities don’t accept these forms of payment.
4) Someone contacting you offering to help you enroll in a bill payment assistance program and asking to book an appointment for a home assessment.
