Active hydro scam circulating Sudbury businesses

Officials at Greater Sudbury Utilities are warning local businesses of a new scam involving a hydro disconnection warning.

GSU says it has received several reports from businesses about the attempted fraud.

Callers claiming to be from Sudbury Hydro or Hydro One have been threatening to disconnect the business’ electricity if money is not paid within a short amount of time.

Businesses that have received these calls say that they were told to either call a toll-free number to give payment information over the phone and in some cases to meet in a local area and bring cash.  The toll-free number being given out is answered with a false identifier that says they've reached GSU.

Luckily, the owners contacted GSU directly to authenticate the claims and found that they were not legitimate.

“We urge all customers to be alert for fraudulent phone calls.  Do not give your information out over the phone.  Call the local number on your bill if you want to speak with someone about your account. Do NOT call the toll-free phone number they give you. Do not go and meet with anyone.” said Wendy Watson, director of communications for GSU.

Staying alert and confirming information you receive directly is the best course of action.

“If your account is overdue, we will communicate with you in writing, and you will have received notices that your account is overdue.  We would never ask you to make a payment at any location other than our offices or your bank.” said Watson.

If you have questions about your account, call GSU directly at 705-675-7536.

Victims of fraud and attempted fraud are encouraged to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.