PUC warns customers about energy rebate phone scam

PUC has issued a warning to customers regarding on energy rebate phone scam that has surfaced in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

A news release issued today by PUC Services Inc. states that callers claiming to be from the Provincial Government are seeking information and access to homes in order to determine if the homeowners qualify for energy rebates.

"Provincial programs like Save on Energy do not call consumers and ask to schedule a home audit," the release says. "Instead, interested consumers have to sign up or fill out a contact form before receiving a call back from the program service provider."

Full text of the PUC news release follows:

PUC Services Inc. is warning customers of a phone scam that has recently surfaced in Sault Ste. Marie and Area.

Callers claiming to be from the Provincial Government are seeking information from households regarding their qualification for energy rebates. They are asking to set up in-home appointments by a ‘certified energy advisor’ to assess how much of an energy rebate they may quality for.

PUC is advising if you receive a call from someone asking questions of this nature, do not provide any information or book an appointment, and hang up immediately.

Provincial programs like Save on Energy do not call consumers and ask to schedule a home audit. Instead, interested consumers have to sign up or fill out a contact form before receiving a call back from the program service provider.

For customers who have qualified for the AffordAbility Fund program, only local companies will be calling regarding appliance deliveries and/or heat pump installations. Customers should also be reminded that the AffordAbility Fund is no longer taking in new applications.

Customers should report these fraudulent calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.