For Immediate Release
PUC Warns Customers of Phone Scam
Sault Ste. Marie (December 21, 2022) – PUC Services Inc. is warning customers of a phone scam that has recently surfaced in the service area of Sault Ste. Marie, in which the caller demands payment for outstanding balances on electricity bills. The caller threatens to cut off customers’ power unless immediate payment by credit card (or other banking means), is made.
Customers who are in arrears receive multiple notifications via their bill, over the phone and through the mail, well before disconnection is ever considered. PUC does not ask for payments by wire transfer or for credit card or other banking information over the phone.
In addition, your home cannot be disconnected during the winter. Licensed electricity utilities are banned by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) from disconnecting residential customers for non-payment during the winter every year, from November 15th to April 30th.
PUC advises customers not to share or provide any personal, utility account, or financial information to anyone who calls claiming to be a representative from PUC. Customers should report these fraudulent calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Customers with questions about their account status are advised to contact our Customer Experience team at 705-759-6522 or 705-759-6555 for after hour emergencies. For information on how PUC customers can pay their bills, including e-billing, visit www.ssmpuc.com or download our MyPUC App.
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Media contact:
Katie Elliott
Manager, Corporate Communications
PUC Services Inc.
P: 705-989-7815
E: katie.elliott@ssmpuc.com
