NPEI Warning Customers of New Phone Scam

Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) has received reports of a new phone scam coming from the NPEI Toll Free Number 1-877-270-3938 requesting payment and threatening to disconnect power. Please be aware this is a scam. This is NOT NPEI or any affiliated party. Please do not provide any information to this caller.

Below is some helpful information for customers to remember if they are contacted by somebody claiming to be from their local utility.

Added Tips on How to Avoid a Scam:

Scams are constantly evolving, but learning how to spot the following red flags will help protect customers against fraudsters:

• We don't threaten immediate disconnection for non-payment. Our collections process includes issuing an Important Notice (that provides possible disconnection information) followed by a 48 Hr Notice telephone message.
• We never proactively ask for payment by pre-paid card and we don't accept bitcoin.
• Inaccurate account numbers are a red flag for fraud. Always compare suspicious invoices with a previous bill and note the account number and the previous amount.
• Don't click on any links included in suspicious emails or text messages, as fraudsters may be attempting to access your personal information.
• We do not use text messages to communicate with customers about account issues.
• We never solicit door to door for any reason.

Ways to block scammers:

• Don't provide any personal or account information if contacted at the door or by phone, email or text.
• Don't make any type of payment until you can confirm you're dealing with NPEI.
• Don't click on any links advertising a refund or a rebate in text messages or emails as this is a tactic fraudsters use to access personal information.

Reporting Suspicious Behavior

• Customers who suspect any type of fraud should be encouraged to contact us.
• Customers should also report suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.  In the event that the customer has paid or sent money for payment, they should contact the Police Department.