Police warn of Belleville power company scam

By Courtenay Modeste

BELLEVILLE – Belleville police are warning people and businesses about a power company scam.

Police say someone claiming to be from a utility company calls people telling them their accounts are overdue. The person then asks for immediate payment. Last week, one victim – a local business owner – was convinced to go to a local convenience store, buy a loadable credit card and provide payment with it over the phone. Police say the victim was told the power would be cut off if this wasn’t done.

Belleville police are asking people who receive these calls to call their utility company themselves and not use the contact numbers provided by the caller.

For more information on scams and fraud warnings visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre‘s website.