Image: CFJC Today file photo / Provincial Mounties have issued a warning to BC Hydro customers about a new scam circulating throughout B.C. in which customers are deceived into providing personal information by calling a fraudulent BC Hydro customer support number.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Phishing scheme

BC RCMP says scammers are duping BC Hydro customers into contacting them through new phishing scheme

Aug 13, 2024 | 8:43 AM

CHILLIWACK — Provincial Mounties have issued a warning to BC Hydro customers about a new scam circulating throughout B.C. in which customers are deceived into providing personal information by calling a fraudulent BC Hydro customer support number.

According to a statement from Corporal Brett Urano, a media relations officer with the BC RCMP in Surrey, BC Hydro and the BC RCMP say they have received over 100 reports throughout the province that paid advertisements are posing as BC Hydro urging customers to call their customer support number to set up new electricity services or reconnect BC Hydro service. The ads utilize BC Hydro’s name, but the website is not correct, leading people to believe it’s the actual BC Hydro website. These false sites are often found online via search engine. When BC Hydro customers call the fake number, the scammers ask the caller a similar set of scripted questions which BC Hydro uses in its own contact centre to verify customer identity.

BC RCMP says it is actively investigating all reports of this scam and is asking the public to report the issues to their local police if they have fallen victim. The RCMP is working with BC Hydro to have these phishing websites removed from search engines but request the public do their due diligence when on the internet to ensure they are on the legitimate website.

BC Hydro is reminding its customers of the following:

• The utility does not collect credit card or bank account information over the phone or by email or text.
• If an account is in arrears, BC Hydro will send several notices by mail and use an auto dialer to remind customers to make a payment. Customers can also check their account status at any time at bchydro.com.
• BC Hydro’s customer service number is 1-800-BCHYDRO (224-9376), if you are contacted by any other number claiming to be BC Hydro be vigilant.

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If the public discovers these websites, they are urged to not click on them but to report the website to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre. You can also find tips on the BC RCMP website on how to deal with online safety and or you can see tips on the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre’s website.