NPEI Customers Reporting COVID-19 Rebate Scam

Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) has received reports that they have been targeted by another scam. Customers received a phone call that had an automated message, in one case named "Jessica," representing themselves as an employee of the Ontario Rebate Program offering a COVID-19 Rebate. The call attempts to confirm the person's address and make an appointment to visit their home. Please be advised that THIS IS A SCAM and this is not Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. or any affiliated organization. Below is some helpful information for customers to remember if they are contacted by somebody claiming to be from their local utility.

Please remember that:

• NPEI never disconnects power without first sending a notice and then contacting customers by phone with a 48 hr Reminder and will never ask a customer to call a 1-800 to make such a payment.
• Some scams have people answering the phones at an illegitimate phone number and claiming that they are from the local utility.
• Some customers may be receiving emails and/or text messages that appear to be from NPEI, asking that they accept an electronic transfer (credit or refund) by clicking on a link. This is a scam - we never send these types of messages.
• In some cases, fraudsters may be approaching customers door-to-door and posing as NPEI representatives. They are pretending to inspect meters and panels, or sell and install products (like smart meters or devices to prevent power surges). NPEI never goes door-to-door to solicit sales.

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.
• If you are contacted by someone and you think it may be a scam, hang up and call the NPEI phone number listed on your bill.
• 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 Behaviour:

• 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.