Guelph Hydro is out with a warning to small businesses that are being targeted by a telephone scam.
The utility said customers such as nail salons, hairdressers, corner stores and restaurants have reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to work for Guelph Hydro.
The caller threatens to disconnect the electricity if an overdue account is not paid.
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“To make the threat seem legitimate, the caller even provides a 1-800 number to call and an employee number,” said Guelph Hydro spokesperson Sandy Manners in a media release.
Guelph Hydro never threatens to disconnect service with little or no notice and they do not request payments using a pre-paid credit card, gift card or wire transfer, Manners said.
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“Guelph Hydro only resorts to disconnection of service after following the process laid out by the Ontario Energy Board with regard to past due accounts and possible disconnections,” Manners said.
If you receive a call, do not provide any personal information and hang up immediately, report it to police, and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.