Update: Utilities Kingston warns public of scam texts and phone calls
Editorial note: This article has been updated since it was originally published on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Please see bottom of article for most recent update.
Utilities Kingston customers are asked to be aware of calls and texts appearing to be from the local utility company or Kingston Hydro, demanding payment for utilities.
According to a release from Utilities Kingston, this is a scam, and several customers have reported this activity.
The utility company stated that customers are reportedly receiving phone calls or texts from scammers using various numbers and appear to be targeting realtors or homeowners who recently listed their property for sale. These customers are being threatened with having their utility services disconnected if they fail to complete payment and, in some cases, being asked to use a QR code for payment at a local store, according to the release.
“If you receive a text or phone call from someone posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect your utility services, do not respond to it – contact Utilities Kingston directly at 613-546-0000, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.” the utility company stated.
For additional details and instructions on what to do if you receive a suspicious call or text, please visit UtilitiesKingston.com
Update (Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023):
On Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, Utilities Kingston issued a follow-up statement asking the media to amplify their messaging about the above scam.
“Please spread the word and help us protect people in Kingston from this scam. This morning alone, we received four phone calls from victims of this scam. One was defrauded $1,000 and the other $2,000,” the utility company said in the statement.
Utilities Kingston reiterated that the scammers appear to be targeting realtors or homeowners who recently listed their property for sale. Anyone who has been contacted by someone posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect utility services is asked to contact Utilities Kingston.