Cogeco red-flags addresses where its deadbeat customers live.

An Ontario cable company is refusing to hook up service for a new renter until the former tenant’s $1,500 past due balance is paid in full.

Cogeco Cable told its would-be customer it could not install his broadband, phone, and cable-TV service, even though the renter offered to provide a letter from his landlord asserting he had no relationship to the earlier tenant.

The cable operator’s “skip” policy, which flags accounts disconnected for non-payment, can make life difficult for the new renter or property owner. Cogeco’s policy is designed to stop disconnected customers from restarting service under someone else’s name.

In some cases, Cogeco has reportedly even disclosed personal details about the owner of the past due account, along with a detailed breakdown of the services and charges they incurred.

Customers who have encountered a red flag from Cogeco when attempting to sign up for service have been asked for a notarized letter, preferably from a personal attorney, disavowing any relationship to the former account-holder, along with copies of property transfer documents.

A Cogeco representative tells Stop the Cap! the potential customer was misinformed. Cogeco will not hold a new customer accountable for another customer’s past due balance.

Customers who encounter problems because of “flagged” accounts or addresses should ask to speak to a supervisor. Some supporting documentation may be required in some instances. But usually the supervisor can approve the order and help the customer set up service over the phone.