NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH HYDRO
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Guelph Hydro is warning customers about a telephone scam being reported in Guelph, targeting small business customers such as nail salons, hairdressers, restaurants and bakeries.
Guelph Hydro customers have reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to represent Guelph Hydro. The caller threatens disconnection of electricity service if an overdue account is not paid within 30 minutes through a pre-paid credit card.
The calls are usually made during peak business times and, in order to make the threat seem legitimate, the fraud artists go so far as to provide a 1-800 number to call which is answered “hydro”, or sometimes “Guelph Hydro.”
Guelph Hydro reminds customers that the company only makes collection calls to customers Monday through Friday and never asks for bank information, requests payment using a pre-paid credit card, or calls from a 1-800 number. Guelph Hydro provides multiple notices prior to disconnection of service and makes every effort to contact customers before disconnection occurs.
Customers who receive a suspicious call should not provide any personal information including Guelph Hydro, bank, or credit card account numbers or account balance and hang up immediately.
If you have questions about your account balance, please call Guelph Hydro customer service at 519.822.3010 or visit the Guelph Hydro website at www.guelphhydro.com to register your account with MyEnergy View for up to date information about your account, including current and past bills.
For up to date information about the scam targeting Guelph Hydro customers, visit www.guelphhydro.com.
For information on how to protect yourself or your business against fraud, please visit the RCMP’s Scams and Fraud website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
About Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc.
Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. delivers a safe and reliable supply of electricity to more than 53,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Guelph and Rockwood. The company is owned by Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. which is, in turn, owned by the City of Guelph. For more information visit: www.guelphhydro.com
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