RCMP warns of new scam targeting BC Hydro Customers
A new scam is targeting BC Hydro Customers, and RCMP are asking you to stay alert and report it.
According to RCMP, they and BC Hydro have received over 100 reports throughout BC of this scam, which has paid advertisements posing as BC Hydro asking customers to call their customer support number to set up either new electricity services or reconnect BC Hydro service.
When customers call the fake number, the scammers will ask them a set of questions, similar to the ones Hydro uses to verify customer identity.
Police say while these ads use BC Hydro’s name, the URL isn’t correct, with the fake sites often found online through a search engine. Both Hydro and RCMP are working on removing those sites, asking you to make sure you are on the legitimate website while on the internet.
Officers are also investigating these reports, adding that you should report the scam to your local police if you have been scammed.
To help customers avoid being scammed, BC Hydro wants you to know that they don’t collect credit card or bank account information over the phone or by email or text, if an account is in arrears, they will send you notices and use an auto dialer for you to make a payment, and that their customer service number is 1-800-BCHYDRO.
They say if you get any other number, be very vigilant.
If you find these fake sites, they encourage you to report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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