Greater Sudbury Utilities (GSU) is receiving reports of a new fraud scheme targetting the elderly.
That’s according to Wendy Watson, Director of Communications with the utility.
“Customers report receiving phone calls over the weekend from a person claiming to work for the Ontario government and promising rebates for Ontarians over 75 years of age,” reads a GSU release. “The caller then asks for account information and passwords and arranges appointment times for a visit to the customer’s home.”
Watson says to not give out any information over the phone, and call the local number on your utility bill and ask about offers to confirm they are legitimate.
“Protect yourself, your information and your finances,” says Watson. “Do not allow people into your home unless you have initiated the contact and you are expecting them. If something sounds too good to be true, check with your service provider and find out the real facts. You need to make sure you’re talking to the right people…not the fraudsters.”
Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of an attempted fraud should report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
If you have an older relative, friend, or neighbour who you think might be vulnerable to fraud attempts, Watson asks to please make sure they are aware of the scheme.