Utilities Kingston is warning its customers to beware of callers demanding immediate payment for utilities. This is a scam. Several Utilities Kingston customers have reported this activity that is also affecting other utilities across Ontario.

Customers are reportedly receiving phone calls from scammers asking them to call a 1-800 number that is being misrepresented as a Utilities Kingston phone number. Those contacted are being threatened with having their utility services disconnected if they do not provide payment immediately using Bitcoin (a form of electronic currency). In the most recent reported case, the scammers instructed a customer to make a payment at a local mall by Bitcoin.

If you receive a suspicious call:

Do not provide any personal information including Utilities Kingston or credit card account numbers.

Collect any information possible about the caller.

Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. This agency collects information on fraud and works closely with police to solve these crimes.

If you become a victim of fraud through monetary loss, call Kingston Police at 613-549-4660.

Utilities Kingston does not place calls from, or solicit calls to, a 1-800 number. Those with overdue accounts receive multiple notices prior to any disconnection and Utilities Kingston always delivers a Final Notice prior to any disconnection. Utilities Kingston requests overdue accounts be paid at City Hall, via Paymentus, its third-party credit card payment provider, or by contacting credit and collections at 613-546-1181, extension 2278.