Phone scam hits hydro customers
BC Hydro is warning its customers of a phone scam featuring fraudsters posing as customer service employees.
In an online notification received Monday, April 13, the company says calls are targeted to BC customers and have the intent of tricking people and small businesses out of money.
Often, the incoming call display will show BC Hydro’s name or a 1.800 phone number. But, this is a form of spoofing, according to Hydro. On its website, BC Hydro states it believes the fraudster “threatens to cut off power unless payment is received.”
The caller asks customers to purchase prepaid credit cards or gift cards and then to call back to provide the serial number on the back of the card. Unfortunately, the fraudsters then remove the cash from the cards, which can amount to thousands of dollars.
Customers are reminded that BC Hydro does not ask for credit card or banking details over the phone. It also does not take payment through cash, prepaid credit cards or gift cards. Instead, if an account is behind on payments, BC Hydro will send notices by mail asking for payment or use an automated dialer message to request payment before service is impacted.
Customers who believe they have received a fraudulent call, are advised to hang up the phone then call BC Hydro at 1.800.BC HYDRO (1.800.224.9376). Powell River RCMP can also be called at 604.485.6255 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1.888.495.8501.
