March is Fraud Prevention Month: Stay safe from utility scams
March is Fraud Prevention Month, and we're here to help you protect yourself from utility scams. Whether at your door, over the phone, or online, scammers continue to find new ways to target customers. Stay informed and know how to recognize fraud.
How to spot a utility scam
Utility scammers often pose as company representatives and demand immediate payment. These scams may involve:
- Phone calls threatening service disconnection unless payment is made immediately.
- Emails or text messages asking for personal or financial details.
- Door-to-door salespeople pressuring you to sign up for services you don't need.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Hang up, close the door, delete the message, and contact Utilities Kingston directly to verify any claims.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call or message
- Do not share personal information, including account or credit card details.
- Gather details about the caller, such as their name, phone number, and any information they provide.
- Verify with us by calling Utilities Kingston at 613-546-1181, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
- If you experience financial loss, report it to Kingston Police at 613-549-4660.
Important reminders
- Utilities Kingston does not use 1-800 or 1-888 numbers for customer calls.
- Overdue accounts should be paid through Paymentus, our secure third-party payment provider, or by contacting our credit and collections team at 613-546-1181, extension 2278.
- Visit our consumer awareness page for more details.
Stay alert, stay informed, and help us spread the word to keep our community safe from fraud.