The City of Charlottetown is warning residents of a phone scam where a caller is claiming to be calling from the City and asking for money. If you receive a call from a scammer, the number they are calling from showing up on your call display may be spoofed. Scammers spoof phone numbers from legitimate organizations to fool residents. However, if you are late in your City utility bill, the City would first notify you with a letter. Any follow-up calls from the City would ask you to make payments as you normally do through your banking institution, in person at city hall or via our online payment portal (
www.myaccount.charlottetown.ca). The City DOES NOT ask for your credit card information to process payments over the phone.
If you suspect a scam, you should take action to protect yourself from potential damage or loss:
• Stop all communication with the scammer right away.
• Never provide personal, credit card or online account details to someone you don’t know. If you’re suspicious, ask for the caller’s contact information, hang up, and call the institution to confirm.
• Report suspicious calls to Charlottetown Police Services non-emergency line at (902) 629-4172.
Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for more information on protecting yourself from a potential phishing scam:
https://ow.ly/YC0y50QyVe2