Hydro Scam Targeting Seniors — Police Urge Vigilance
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Hydro Scam Targeting Seniors - Police Urge Vigilance
(Hawkesbury, ON) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public about a Service frauds targeting elderly residents in the Hawkesbury area. In 2025, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received over $19.5 million in reported losses.
Over the past month, police have received reports of individuals contacting elderly residents and falsely identifying themselves as employees of a hydro utility. During these calls, the suspects attempt to gather personal information by asking questions such as the victim’s age and whether they live alone.
In some cases, the suspects advise the victim that an in-home inspection is required and provide a specific date and time to attend the residence. These appointments are fraudulent and may be an attempt to gain access to the home to offer services and products that likely come with contractual obligations. They may claim that the homeowner is eligible for a grant through a government program, who is then pressured into signing a contract or prepaying for the equipment or services.
- In cases where a contract is signed, you may have the right to a cooling off period. For example, in Ontario consumers have the right to cancel a contract for any reason within a 10-day cooling off period. For water heater contracts, there is a 20-day cooling off period
- Never provide personal information to a company or individual without researching the company and consulting with your provincial consumer protection agency
- Never feel pressured to sign a contract or prepay before doing your research
- Do not allow unsolicited visitors into your home
- Don`t answer unsolicited phone calls, specifically from numbers you do not recognize