Hydro scam targets Renfrew County seniors

The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating incidents of fraud targeting seniors.

Renfrew OPP were informed that on November 18, 2022, an elderly couple from Burnstown, received a call from a male stating that he worked for the Ontario Electric Support Program (OESP). The male claimed that he could offer a service to reduce the couple’s monthly hydro bill and requested to attend their residence to speak with them in person.

Soon after, two males arrived at their residence claiming to be OESP employees. The males were not wearing a uniform, they did not drive a company vehicle, and did not provide documentation proving their employment. The males were described as in their 30s. One male was Caucasian and the other was middle eastern.

The scammers convinced the couple to pay an amount of cash to start the process. They further obtained personal information, including s Social Insurance Number (SIN).

The couple felt concerned after the interaction and they contacted the OESP. It was confirmed that they had been scammed and that this type of fraud has been attempted numerous times.

Renfrew OPP is urging the community to protect themselves from falling victim to these scammers.

These scams are designed to lure you into providing your personal information. For example, you could receive an email, text, social media message, or voice message that appears to be from a recognized institution or company, such as:

  • A bank
  • Online subscription services (i.e., Netflix, Amazon)
  • A business
  • Government department or agency

The message may claim that you need to update your account or that your tax refund is ready. Whatever the message is, it’s an attempt to trick you into providing your personal or financial information.

Always verify that the call is legitimate by doing your research into the agency calling and don’t be afraid to say no.

If you or someone you know may have been a victim, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can also report the information to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

FRAUD … Recognize it … Report it … Stop it.

Roberge,B.,OPP Renfrew Detachment(2022,Nov.24) RENFREW COUNTY SENIORS BEING TARGETED IN HYDRO SCAM [media release]

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