The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public about a Service frauds targeting elderly residents in the Hawkesbury area. In 2025, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received over $19.5 million in reported losses.
Over the past month, police have received reports of individuals contacting elderly residents and falsely identifying themselves as employees of a hydro utility. During these calls, the suspects attempt to gather personal information by asking questions such as the victim’s age and whether they live alone.
In some cases, the suspects advise the victim that an in-home inspection is required and provide a specific date and time to attend the residence. These appointments are fraudulent and may be an attempt to gain access to the home to offer services and products that likely come with contractual obligations. They may claim that the homeowner is eligible for a grant through a government program, who is then pressured into signing a contract or prepaying for the equipment or services.
Warning Signs – How to protect yourself
· In cases where a contract is signed, you may have the right to a cooling off period. For example, in Ontario consumers have the right to cancel a contract for any reason within a 10-day cooling off period. For water heater contracts, there is a 20-day cooling off period.
· Know your rights. Look up your Provincial and Territorial Consumers Affairs
· Research the company before providing your contact information.
· Never provide personal information to a company or individual without researching the company and consulting with your provincial consumer protection agency.
· Never feel pressured to sign a contract or prepay before doing your research.
· Do not allow unsolicited visitors into your home.
· Don`t answer unsolicited phone calls, specifically from numbers you do not recognize.
Know your rights when you sign a contract at your door. Learn about how to avoid common door-to-door scams for water heaters, home heating, and other services. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to speak with elderly loved ones about this scam and help them identify suspicious behaviour.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim, you should still report the incident to the CAFC.
Anyone with information regarding this scam is asked to contact the OPP or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The OPP reminds the public: When in doubt, don’t let them in and call police.