Beware of door-to-door scammers, Hydro says
Utility warns Manitobans to make sure solicitors are legitimate before letting them into your home
Manitoba Hydro is warning customers to be wary of door-to-door solicitors after a series of complaints from across the province about scammers.
The utility has received around a dozen complaints from Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin and Minnedosa, with the majority of reports coming out of the capital, said Scott Powell, public affairs manager for Manitoba Hydro.
- Manitoba Hydro warns of 'suspicious solicitors' visiting homes to check furnaces
- Watch out for over-the-phone scammers, says Manitoba Hydro
In each incident, individuals told homeowners they were affiliated with Manitoba Hydro and asked to come inside to inspect the furnace or test water conditions, before offering to rent or sell the homeowner a new furnace or water filtration system.
"Manitoba Hydro is not involved in any of these programs and advises homeowners to deny entry," Hydro said in a news release Tuesday.
Identify scammers
Hydro employees always carry an official ID card with their name and photo. If someone claiming to be with Manitoba Hydro asks to enter your home, ask them for their identification, Hydro says. If you still have doubts, you can also call Hydro at 1-888-624-9376 before allowing the individual inside.
If you think you've been victimized in a scam, Manitoba Hydro says call police immediately.
Consumers can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-782-0067 or visit the website.
You can find more information on how to identify legitimate Manitoba Hydro employees here.