Hydro customers warned of scam after power outages in Oakville

Oakville Hydro is alerting residents about a scam going on where local customers are being approached and asked for money.

The scam involves individuals who approach customers near recent outage areas and identify themselves as employees of Oakville Hydro.

They then proceed to demand cash payments from the customer for services.

Oakville Hydro is making it clear that these individuals do not work for them.

“If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to the police immediately,” says the local power company. “Oakville Hydro has a strict policy against on site cash payments.”

If local customers are unsure if the people approaching them are employees, they can call Oakville Hydro directly at 905-825-9400.

According to recent reports by the Ontario Energy Board, there has been a 70 per cent increase in call reporting scam activity.

Oakville Hydro says scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to trick customers.

If you receive a suspicious phone call, text or letter:

• Contact an Oakville Hydro customer service representative ASAP to verify your account information at 905-825-9400 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Never make a payment for a charge that is not listed on your most recent Oakville Hydro electricity bill
• Do not provide any personal information
• Do not click on links provided in text messages or emails

Residents can also report incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.