AJAX, ON — December 12, 2025 – The holidays should be merry and bright, not stressful and costly. Unfortunately, scammers are looking to turn good will into quick cash by posing as utility companies and their employees.

Ontario’s largest electricity utilities – Alectra Utilities, Elexicon Energy, Hydro One, Hydro Ottawa and Toronto Hydro – are reminding everyone that scammers won’t be on the nice list this year.

Protect yourself by remembering the three Ps of fraud prevention: Pause, Prove, Protect.

• Pause – Don’t rush. Take a moment before acting on any suspicious request.
• Prove – Ask questions and verify the source by calling your utility directly using the official number on your bill.
• Protect – Keep your personal and financial information safe. Never share account details or click on unsolicited links.

Fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics to create panic and force quick decisions. Common schemes include:

• Threatening phone calls demanding immediate payment.
• Fraudulent texts or emails with fake refunds or account updates.
• In-person visits pressuring customers for personal information.
• Requests for payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency – something no legitimate utility would ever ask.

Tips for residential customers:

• Double-check your bill before paying.
• Ignore suspicious links in texts or emails claiming to offer refunds or account updates.
• Remember that utilities never demand same-day payment or threaten disconnection.

Tips for businesses:

• Train employees to spot common scams.
• Never share account details unless you initiated the call.
• Keep a verified contact list of utility providers.

What to do if you’re targeted

If you suspect you’ve been targeted or fallen victim to a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, and notify your local utility provider immediately.

 

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About Elexicon Energy
As the fourth largest municipally owned electricity distributor in Ontario, Elexicon Energy proudly provides safe and reliable electricity to nearly 200,000 residential and business customers in Durham Region as well as Belleville, Brock, Gravenhurst and Port Hope. Elexicon is owned by five municipalities: the Town of Ajax, the City of Belleville, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Pickering and the Town of Whitby and. Learn more at elexiconenergy.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Instagram .

Media Contact
Jodi MacLean
Manager, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
P: 289-387-1469 | E: jmaclean@elexiconenergy.com