Utilities Kingston is now receiving reports from concerned residents about apparent scammers, calling to offer rebates on furnaces, water heaters and air conditioners. Ontarians are seeing an increase in fraudulent emails, text messages and phone calls, as scammers try to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scammers are attempting to book appointments to gain access to homes, and are offering a break in service costs due to the pandemic. They may claim they are affiliated with Utilities Kingston, or with the provincial government to offer a 'tax rebate'.

We wish to assure customers that:

• We are not affiliated with these companies and are not partnering with them.
• We're committed to providing efficient and reliable water heater rentals, which meet all applicable codes.

If you receive a suspicious call or visit to your home:

• Remember, you have the right to ask people to leave your property. If they don’t, then contact police.
• Do not provide any personal information including Utilities Kingston or credit card account numbers.
• Collect any information possible about the caller.
• Contact Utilities Kingston customer service at 613-546-0000 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8 AM–5 PM, to report the incident.
• Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. This agency collects information on fraud and works closely with police to solve these crimes.
• If you become a victim of fraud through monetary loss, call Kingston Police at 613-549-4660.

To reduce telemarketing calls, register for Canada's free Do Not Call List.  It's a simple three-step process. All telemarketers must also keep their own internal do not call lists. When you receive a call, you can ask to have your number added to their do not call list. 

Learn more about how to recognize, reject and report fraud.