Scam alert for Saskatoon residents

SASKATOON — City officials are telling the public to be vigilant on the latest utility services phone scam to target unsuspecting customers of their hard-earned money. The scammers pretend to be calling residents from the utility company. The caller then informs the resident or business of a delinquent account that needs to be settled to prevent their power from being shut off. The scam was discovered after several business owners called the city about this issue. The city reminds residents that they have not made phone calls, sent text messages, or emails demanding payment on "delinquent accounts" under the Saskatoon Light & Power. The phone messages are robocalls. The city never requests or collects residents' bank or credit card information by phone, text, or email. However, it does collect banking information when setting up new utility accounts, making direct debit payments, or using the Tax Instalment Payment Plan Service program. The city tells residents not to give their personal, banking, or credit card information over the phone, text, or email. After reporting suspicious phone numbers, it is best to block and delete them and not click on suspicious web links. Scammers use the information they gather to get money or commit identity theft. Previous public service announcements from the city warned residents about scams involving fake text messages and emails, demanding payment from customers who said they "owed money." Residents should contact their bank if they have become victims of fraud. They should also report these phone or online scams to the Saskatoon Police Service at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501. Concerned residents may also call the City of Saskatoon to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400.