Very significant increase in fraudulent phone calls to Burlington residents by phony gas line inspectors.

Crime 100By Staff

August 21st, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There has been a rash of unsavory types calling Burlington residents claiming they are from the city, or from one of the utility companies and need to do an inspection of the residence.

The Halton Regional Police Service and the city of Burlington combined received over 200 calls from people concerned about the legitimacy of these inspection requests from August 4 to August 15, 2017.

Several males were observed attending residences outside the pre-set appointment times. These males did not represent the City of Burlington. They were reportedly requesting to do home energy audits.

The City of Burlington and Union Gas employees do not go door-to-door unless in an emergency situation and would often be with the Halton Regional Police Service or Burlington Fire Department.

Residents of Halton Region are reminded to be vigilant and attentive regarding to whom they speak with on the phone and companies they contract for service.

Residents should ask questions, review and receive a written contract for products and services, and only deal with reputable companies they have sought out themselves.

Union Gas does not sell natural gas appliances or provide maintenance services for natural gas appliances.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud, please contact the HRPS Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8741.

Key contact is: Detective Constable Derek Gray, 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau – Elder Abuse and Frauds. Tel: 905-825-4747 ext.2344

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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2 comments to Very significant increase in fraudulent phone calls to Burlington residents by phony gas line inspectors.

  • Alide Camilleri

    I have had three such calls. Twice I just put down the phone, the third time I said: This is a scam, and put down the phone right after. Never, ever get into a conversation with these callers. It’s very easy to give out some info about yourself without realizing it, and then the scamming gets worse.

  • Stephen W

    They get quite indignant and threatening when you tell them it’s a scam. They called several times before giving up.