Fraud and Scam Awareness

Scams in the Energy sector have increased by 77 percent since 2020. Scammers are using a variety of methods to reach energy consumers, including text messaging, phone calls, emails, and even in-person visits.

When it comes to scams and cyber security, everyone has a roll to play in protecting themselves – at home and at work. Here are few tips to help you identify scams and protect yourself.

• Don’t be afraid to say no or hang up – If it sounds suspicious, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to say no, hang up the phone, and ignore text messages or emails. Contact ERTH Power to verify if the communication is legitimate before responding.
• Think before you click – Before you click on a web link or email, check the sender’s email address and the link URL to verify that it is legitimate. If it looks “fishy”, it’s probably “phishing”. Phishing is a form of social engineering where attackers trick people into providing personal information or installing malware such as ransomware.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information – Always be cautious about sharing your personal information or utility account information with anyone.
• Use strong passwords – Protect your online accounts by using strong passwords or passphrases that include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Use different passwords for each of your accounts and never write them down or share them with others.
• Requests for payment by Bitcoin, e-Transfer or Gift Card – ERTH Power and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) will never ask for payment by Bitcoin, e-Transfer or Gift Card. This is a scam!

Natural gas and electricity customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment between November 15th and April 30th.

If you receive an email, text message or phone call from someone posing as a utility representative and threatening to disconnect your electricity service during the winter disconnection ban period, do not respond and report it ERTH Power directly at 1-877-850-3128.

Utilities will never ask for payment through a gift card, e-transfer or bitcoin, and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) will not contact you for any reason unless you have reached out to us first.

For more fraud and scam awareness information at:

• Ontario Energy Board
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre