What's a utility scam?

In a utility scam, fraudsters impersonate employees from a utility company and threaten to cut off service if you don't pay them. Sometimes, fraudsters may claim that you've overpaid your bill and ask for your financial information to give you a refund. Other times, they make promises of lower costs or providing better equipment. Fraudsters often target homes and small businesses during peak seasons (winter and summer) and busy times. such as lunch and dinner.

Different types of utility scams

Fraudsters come to your home and try to establish rapport. They try to convince you to buy specific products from them or enrol for a lower rate. They ask for your personal and financial information to get your money, or accept cheques made out in their names.

Fraudsters send fake communications threatening to cut off your service or offer to help you get your power back. They use different tactics, such as threats, empathy or act overly accommodating to try to get you to trust them and provide your information.

Fraudsters call you claiming some of your utility equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. They try to make the call look legitimate, as they set up an appointment for the service and provide you a fake call-back number. They take down your information for payment.

Fraudsters contact you claiming that you've paid too much on your bill and they want to provide you with a refund. The call usually comes as an automated message where you're asked to press a button to connect to someone who can help you with this. Fraudsters ask for your personal and financial information and once they have it, they start taking money from your account.

Fraudsters contact you to tell you about special government programs that'll help you save energy and money. They try to get you to sign up for the program and ask for your information. They claim that on your next utility bill, you should pay your bill using a new account number they gave you.

Warning signs of utility scams

  • Unscheduled house visits from someone claiming to be from a utility company
  • Unsolicited calls, emails and texts requesting urgent action or payment for services
  • The utility employee provides vague details about your agreement with your provider
  • You receive threats of your service being cut off unless you pay immediately
  • You're asked to pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency or gift card
  • Payments from your bank account or credit card for utility accounts you don't have or didn't authorize

Stay safe with our tips

  • Never provide any financial or personal information to someone you don't know.
  • Don’t select any links or attachments from suspicious emails or text messages.
  • Call the official number of your utility company to find out if they've contacted you or if you're behind on a payment. Don't call any phone numbers you get from an unknown caller.
  • Don't feel pressured or rushed to make a payment. A legitimate utility company doesn't cut off service without sending you a few notices.
  • Don't let anyone into your home unless you've reported a utility-related issue or you've scheduled an appointment. Always check their employee ID to be safe.

Learn more about utility scams

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Opens in a new window.

Report fraud when it happens and track the latest data on fraud in Canada.

The Little Black Book of Scams Opens in a new window.

Download the Canadian Competition Bureau's guide to scams in 8 different languages.

Canadian Bankers Association Opens in a new window.

Read about the latest news and trends in fraud awareness and prevention.