The Grenville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to alert home and business owners of a door to door scam that has recently been reported to police. On October 29, 2020 at 12:00 p.m., an individual was contacted via telephone, advising them of a government energy rebate program. In order to receive a rebate, the company needed to come to the residence and inspect the homeowner’s furnace and freezer. The resident called their utilities company and confirmed this was a scam. Police spoke with the energy board and they confirmed that the scenario as described was, indeed, an active fraud and they do not have their employees going door to door. If there is a question as to the legitimacy of the canvasser, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be contacted. Suspicious canvassers and/or salespeople can also be reported to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
The public is reminded that, before you hear a sales or fundraising pitch and open your door to a salesperson or canvasser, remember:
- ask for photo ID and get the name of the person and the business/charity;
- never share personal information (e.g., an electricity or gas bill);
- if you ask a salesperson to leave, they must leave right away. If you feel unsafe, call local police;
- look at the company name on the salesperson’s business card and promotional material and see if it matches the company name on the proposed contract
The OPP encourages residents to be aware of another resource available to them from Consumer Protection https://www.ontarioconsumer/protection before they make important decisions like purchasing a home, hiring a contractor or home inspector, renting a water heater, and other such transactions.
If you have any information on the above investigations, or any other, please contact Grenville OPP on 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477, or submit your tip on-line at www.tipsubmit.com. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don’t go to court, and you could earn cash reward.
