Since the scam alert was issued on Friday, June 2, more information has surfaced on the nature of the calls, which will help residents distinguish the fake impersonator call from the actual City of Ottawa and Neptune Technology Group’s Small Water Replacement Program.
The impersonating call claims it’s the City of Ottawa and wants to book an appointment for a water meter replacement or inspection. The callers are asking the homeowner personal questions such as their specific age and how many residents are currently in the home. The only age-related question the City of Ottawa or Neptune would ever ask a resident is if there will be someone over the age of 18 home at the scheduled appointment time.
As mentioned in the previous alert, the City has partnered with Neptune Technology Group to install the new water meters. Water meters are the property of the City of Ottawa and require replacing after their lifecycle.
When Neptune Technology Group is in your community, you will receive information at your home that prompts you to book an appointment that is convenient for you – including weekends or evenings, when spots are available.
The information letter is clearly identified with the City and Neptune Technology Group’s logos.
Booking an appointment is quick and easy and can be done either online or through Neptune’s call centre which are all listed on the information letter. Neptune will try and communicate with the residents to book an appointment through mailers, door hangers and calling residents. The City of Ottawa will also use mailers, emails and both personal and automated phone messaging to notify residents an appointment is needed to service the water meter. Both Neptune and the City of Ottawa would not ask details that are not related to booking an appointment.
During an installation appointment, Neptune personnel will be wearing:
- A uniform with the Neptune insignia
- A City of Ottawa ID badge with their picture.
Their vehicles will have a City of Ottawa magnet stating, “Contracted by Ottawa.(City of Ottawa logo)” The Neptune Technology Group technician will arrive during the scheduled time that a homeowner has set.