Greater Sudbury Utilities received more than a dozen reports from local businesses on Wednesday, Oct. 9 of attempted fraud, posing as a disconnection warning.
In most cases reported, the caller said the electricity to the business would be disconnected if money was not paid within a short timeframe, and the targets were told to meet a representative at a convenience store.
They are also given a toll-free number to call to confirm the arrangements or ask questions. The toll-free number is a “spoof” which appears to be Greater Sudbury Utilities.
Fortunately, the business owners contacted GSU to find out if the calls were real; they were not.
"We urge all customers to be alert for attempted scams,” said Wendy Watson, Director of Communications for Greater Sudbury Utilities.
“Do not give your information out over the phone. Call the local number on your bill if you want to speak with someone about your account. Do not call the toll-free phone number they give you. Do not go and meet with anyone. If your account is overdue, we will communicate with you in writing, and you will have received notices that your account is overdue. We would never ask you to make a payment at a convenience store or any other location other than our offices, a citizen service centre or your bank.”
If you have questions about your account, call Greater Sudbury Utilities directly at 705-675-7536. If you are the victim of a fraud or attempted fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501.
