Kingston Police warn of scammers posing as utility representatives

Kingston Police have received reports of phone calls from scammers pretending to be from Utilities Kingston, demanding payment for utilities.

According to a release from Kingston Police, several citizens have reported this activity, and it is a scam.

“Those contacted are being threatened with having their utility services disconnected if they do not make a payment,” Kingston Police said. “If you receive a message, text or phone call from someone posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect your power, do not respond to it – contact your utility provider directly.”

Kingston Police recommend taking these actions if you receive a suspicious call:

• Do not provide any personal information, including utility or credit card account numbers.
• Collect any information possible about the caller.
• 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.

Police remind Kingston residents:

• Utilities Kingston does not place calls from, or solicit calls to, a 1-800 or 1-888 number.
• Utilities Kingston requests overdue accounts be paid via Paymentus, its third-party credit card payment provider, or by contacting credit and collections at 613-546-1181, extension 2278.