**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

The Timmins Police Service is issuing a public safety advisory in relation to a possible fraudulent phone fraud campaign made by persons falsely representing local utility providers.

The Timmins Police is in receipt of a complaint alleging a phishing phone fraud campaign that appears to be underway in Timmins.

According to the nature of the complaint, unsolicited calls are received where the caller holds himself out to be a representative of a local utility.

The fraudster insists that the call recipient’s utility account is in arrears and that service will be discontinued in short order unless payment is made immediately.

Residents are reminded that this campaign is fraudulent.

In cases where utility accounts fall into arrears, proper notice (typically a formal written notice) must be given and all reasonable efforts must be made to rectify the situation and secure adequate payment before any discontinuation of service can occur.

Details about any such calls should be forwarded directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Fraudsters quite often take advantage of public anxiety situations. Should anyone receive such a call, the Timmins Police Service recommend simply hanging up and contacting your utility provider by phone or online to confirm the status of your account and the validity of any claims of being in arrears.

Filed under: Local News