Moose FM spoke with one Barrys Bay area resident who recently had a senior relative targeted by someone showing up at the door and claiming to offer “grants” to lower monthly energy bills.
We spoke with OPP officer Mike Mahon from Pembroke who said typically, perputrators will contact a homeowner or show up at a residence saying they want to conduct a green energy assessment to qualify for a rebate.
According to Mahon: “Once they’re in the home, they use those high pressure sales tactics every knows about and to have the homeowner purchase products and services just to qualify for a rebate”
We asked what are some of things people can do to protect themselves.
“Ask for photo ID. Get the name of the person and the name of the company or charity they represent” he continued, “Be sure to get in writing and ask for literature. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. You don’t have to say yes, no matter what they’re telling you. You don’t have to say yes right then”
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) also note that the Ontario Energy Board OEB is not involved in any type of sales activity.
In 2017, Ontario banned energy retailers from signing up customers for an energy contract while at their homes to give consumers the ability to make choices about their energy supply at their own pace and with better information.
Anyone who feels they might have been a victim of fraud can contact local police or the Canadian anti fraud center