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Police warn hydro scam is making the rounds by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, March 26, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton police are warning residents not to be fooled by a hydro scam currently making the rounds in Oakville and Burlington. So far this week, anonymous callers have targeted five small businesses -- four in Oakville and one in Burlington -- claiming to be representatives from Oakville Hydro or Burlington Hydro and seeking past due bill payments. "They'll be told they owe a couple thousand dollars to the hydro and if it is not paid in two hours, their hydro will be cut off," said Det. Sgt. Troy Izlakar, Halton police fraud unit. "They'll then be directed where to send it to. It is usually a wire transfer the person will be looking for." None of the five businesses fell for the scam, but rather decided to contact police or their hydro company at which point they learned the calls were fraudulent. Izlakar said the phone calls hours," said Izlakar. "You would get an abundance of notification prior to that happening." At this point, police are uncertain as to whether these are local or international scam artists as the wire transfers they request could be picked up anywhere in the world. Residents who receive this type of call are advised to not give any information over the phone, but rather call their hydro company to determine if they really do owe money. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Halton police fraud unit at 905-465-8741. Det. Sgt. Troy Izlakar appear to be random and that a person or business does not have to be behind on their hydro payments to receive one. One business owner was tipped off to the scam by the fact that he had paid his hydro bill just days earlier. Izlakar noted this type of scam is currently popular in this part of Ontario with London being a particular hotspot. He said people should remember a hydro company would not call and threaten to disconnect service unless an immediate payment is made. "No company would ever call you and tell you your hydro is going to be turned off in two 905-469-1927 | 888-399-9555 | actionchemdry.com 10 off 20 off 15 off % $ $ carpet cleaNiNg action code sn415 expires may 9, 2015 some restrictions may apply. uriNe p.u.r.t. pet removal treatiNg upholstery cleaNiNg action code sn415 expires may 9, 2015 some restrictions may apply. area rug cleaNiNg action code sn415 expires may 9, 2015 some restrictions may apply. $ NothiNg oN the market is as effective iN removiNg odours & staiNs left behiNd by pets. action code sn415. expires may 9, 2015 some restrictions may apply. 25 off INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca CONCEPT LIGHTING & FURNITURE The Regions Finest Lighting Store INSTALLATION ENDS SOON* DO NOT PAY FOR 6 MONTHS. NO DOWN PAYMENT. NO INTEREST Proud suppliers of N. Americas largest Castle, Casa Loma. Great for the Castle, even better for your home. SALE Free lightbulbs for life* Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law OAKVILLE · 243 Speers Raod · 905.849.5483 www.conceptlighting.ca We are the region's best lighting store AND NOW FURNITURE latest lighting designs at exclusive pricing! *Some conditions apply. See store for details. Concept Lighting Group