Hydro bill scam arriving in letters to Mississauga and Brampton

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Published January 4, 2023 at 4:33 pm

hydro bill scam
Nicola Barts photo

A hydro bill scam targeting Mississauga and Brampton looks like it could come from a real utility company.

Alectra Utilities said Peel Regional Police warn letters purporting to be from the hydro company are arriving in the region.

“Customers are getting mailed letters with instructions to scan a barcode & make a deposit at certain ATMs on Hurontario St.,” Alectra tweeted today (Jan. 4).

The letters also include a number that sounds like Alectra’s switchboard. A live agent answers to attempt to steal credit card information over the phone.

“This is NOT us,” Alectra warned.

Scams targeting electricity customers are increasing, Alectra Utilities says on their website.

The most common scams involve a telephone call from someone claiming to be from Alectra Utilities (or the electrical utility in the targeted area) who says that your account is overdue and, if payment is not made immediately, electricity will be disconnected in the next half-hour.

Adding a sense of urgency is common with scammers but if you get a suspicious call or a letter, always verify it with an Alectra Utilities’ customer care representative directly using the phone number on your regular bill.

Never make a payment for a charge that isn’t listed on your most recent Alectra Utilities bill and don’t  provide any personal information, including your Alectra Utilities bill or account number.

Also don’t click on links provided in text messages or allow the fraudster to arrange a time to visit your home.

For more information, visit the Alectra website scams information page.

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