NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH HYDRO
*************************
Guelph Hydro is warning customers about a telephone scam targeting small business customers such as nail salons, hairdressers, corner stores and restaurants.
Guelph Hydro customers have reported receiving phone calls over the weekend from someone claiming to represent Guelph Hydro. The caller threatens disconnection of electricity service if an overdue account is not paid.
To make the threat seem legitimate, the fraud artists go so far as to provide a 1-800 number to call and an employee number.
Guelph Hydro reminds customers that the company only makes collection calls to customers Monday through Friday and never threatens to disconnect service with little or no notice; requests payment using a pre-paid credit card, gift card or wire transfer; or calls from a 1-800 number.
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.
As part of this process, Guelph Hydro provides multiple notices by mail or telephone, the opportunity to arrange a payment plan to avoid disconnection and, whenever possible, at least 48 hours’ notice before disconnection occurs.
If you receive a scam call:
- Do not provide any personal information including Guelph Hydro, bank, or credit card account numbers or account balance and hang up immediately
- Report the call to local police
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
If you have questions about your account balance, please call Guelph Hydro customer service at 519-822-3010 or visit the Guelph Hydro website to access your account information using MyEnergy View.
About Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc.
Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. delivers a safe and reliable supply of electricity to more than 55,000 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.
*************************
