Fraudsters posing as B.C. Hydro employees continue to contact customers by telephone in an attempt to steal money from residents and small businesses – particularly restaurants.
B.C. Hydro initially warned customers of the scam in early September. Since then, more customers have come forward with additional details.
“According to reports, the fraudulent calls may come from a 1-800 phone number. The customer’s call display may show B.C. Hydro or display a legitimate B.C. Hydro phone number. This is done through spoofing,” states a press release.
B.C. Hydro is reminding customers that it does not collect credit card or bank account information over the telephone and B.C. Hydro does not take payment from cash gift cards.
Customers are also reminded that if they receive a call from someone representing B.C. Hydro and they doubt the authenticity of the call, they should hang up and call back B.C. Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO or 1-800-224-9376.
“If an account is in arrears, BC Hydro will send several notices through the mail asking for payment and also use an automated dialer to remind customers to make a payment before electricity supply is impacted,” states the release. “Customers can check their account status online through bchydro.com.”
B.C. Hydro customers are asked to report these calls by calling 1-800-BC-HYDRO, the police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.