Watch out for over-the-phone scammers, says Manitoba Hydro

Manitoba Hydro wants customers to be extra vigilant Friday after an apparent telephone scam sprang up asking customers to make bill payments

The scam goes like this: A caller begins by reminding the customer they are overdue on bill payments, or just that they need to pay their bill. Then, the caller offers the customer different options to help them pay their bills.

The public utility said it provides no such reminder phone calls to customers who owe them money. They also never ask customers to pay over the phone or online. On some occasions, officials said the hydro phone number has appeared in customers caller ID.

Hydro said that while customers’ accounts and privacy haven’t been compromised, customers should remain skeptical about any such calls from people claiming to be hydro employees.

Manitoba Hydro has asked customers to contact them or police if they receive any calls they suspect may be connected with the scam.