Skip to content

Hydro scam making rounds in Sudbury

Greater Sudbury Hydro is warning customers about an attempted fraud, after receiving a report from a local business.
140714_hydro_scam
A local business received a phone call from someone claiming to represent Sudbury Hydro who threatened disconnection if the overdue account was not paid within 30 minutes over the phone. It's a scam that is moving from Thunder Bay to Sudbury, said Greater Sudbury Hydro. File photo.
Greater Sudbury Hydro is warning customers about an attempted fraud, after receiving a report from a local business.

The local business received a phone call from someone claiming to represent Sudbury Hydro who threatened disconnection if the overdue account was not paid within 30 minutes over the phone. The business's accountant thought something sounded fishy; she knew the account was in good standing, and called Greater Sudbury Hydro to find out if they were indeed going to be disconnected.

GSH urged her to contact police.

This is a ruse similar to one reported just weeks ago in Thunder Bay, where the callers demanded payment within half an hour through wire transfer or pre-paid credit cards, and apparently is sweeping the United States. In the Sudbury instance, the call came from an 800 number, the caller had an "American" accent, and the caller did NOT have details about the account, such as the amount of money owing.

"In the case of an overdue account, Greater Sudbury Hydro does not phone customers. Instead, a written reminder is sent out, followed by a written disconnect notice and finally a physical Collection Call explaining disconnection may occur within 48 hours and outlining payment option details," said Jodie Koski, Customer Service Supervisor. "We urge all customers to be alert for other fraudulent phone calls."

If you have questions about your account, call Greater Sudbury Hydro directly at 705-675-7536. If you are the victim of a fraud or attempted fraud, please contact Greater Sudbury Police.

Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.