Manitoba Hydro is renewing its warning to customers about the potential to be scammed by fraudsters pretending to work for the public utility.
Hydro says despite the drop in fraud complaints this month, there isn’t any indication that fraud is decreasing.
“We only know about the incidents our customers tell us about, but we’re under no illusion fraud is dropping,” said Chris McColm, Manitoba Hydro’s security and investigations supervisor.
“We also know our customers are becoming more educated about fraud, but at the same time this illegal activity is becoming more sophisticated and anyone with an email account or smartphone can be targeted.”
Fraudsters have been known to send suspicious text messages and employ aggressive door-to-door sales techniques.
McColm also said seniors living alone are frequently targeted by the in-person sales.
“Our message is just because someone knocks on your door and claims they represent Manitoba Hydro doesn’t mean they’re on the up-and-up,” he added.
Manitoba Hydro employees also display photo ID and will never demand to enter your home.
On average, Manitoba Hydro received about two dozen fraud complaints each month since June.
See Hydro’s frauds and scams section of its website for more information.
