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March is Fraud Prevention Month: Stay safe from utility scams

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 scammers who may impersonate Utilities Kingston or other utility providers. Whether at your door, over the phone, or online, they often rely on creating fear or a sense of urgency.  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 create a sense of urgency to pressure customers into acting quickly. These scams may involve:

  • Phone calls threatening immediate service disconnection unless payment is made right away. 

  • Requests for personal or financial details, such as account numbers or credit card details. 

  • Pressure tactics, such as aggressive language or refusal to let you verify the call. 

  • Unexpected door-to-door salespeople pressuring you to sign up for services you didn’t request.  
     

To help you identify scams, it is important to know what Utilities Kingston will never do:

  • We will never threaten immediate disconnection by phone, email or text 

  • We will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information through unsolicited messages 

  • We will never do direct sales calls or door-to-door sales.  On-site visits are by appointment only at your own request. 

  • We will never demand payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency 

  • We do not use 1-800 or 1-888 phone numbers to contact customers

What to do if you receive a suspicious call or message 

  • End the interaction as soon as possible by hanging up or closing the door. 

  • Do not share personal information, including account or credit card details. 

  • Gather details about the caller/visitor/contactor 

  • 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 

  • 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. 

Stay alert, stay informed, and help us spread the word to keep our community safe from fraud!