PowerStream alerting customers to phone scam

PowerStream Utility Phone Scam targets customers via spoofed 1-800 calls, disconnection threats, and demands for prepaid debit cards or wire transfers; recognize phishing, verify billing, and report fraud to customer service.

VAUGHAN, ON – PowerStream has been following closely a telephone scam originally reported in the United States that has now made its way over the border. Reports of utility customers being scammed have surfaced in other parts of Ontario including Thunder Bay and Toronto.

According to the reports, customers are receiving phone calls from people claiming to be from the ‘termination department’ of their local electric utility. The calls are being made from a 1-800 phone number and victims are being threatened with having their electrical service shut off if they do not immediately provide payment in the form of a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.

PowerStream never asks for a pre-paid credit card payment or wire transfer in overdue account situations nor does its Customer Service department call from an outbound 1-800 number, amid ongoing utility scams affecting Ontario customers. The company’s standard procedure is to provide multiple notices prior to disconnection including an automated reminder call as well, PowerStream always hand delivers a Final Notice to the service address prior to any disconnection occurring and, as detailed in its 2013 Ice Storm review, it underscores service reliability.

In the event customers receive a suspicious call, they should:

- Do not provide any personal information including PowerStream or credit card account numbers

- Collect any information possible about the caller

- Contact PowerStream’s Customer Service department at 1-877-963-6900 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to report the security incident promptly

Related News

• Electricity Forum News

• Utility Operations News