'Something's not right': Hydro warns Manitobans about scammers – Winnipeg

Manitoba Hydro is reassuring customers after a Winnipeg woman posted video that went viral on social media, describing her experiences with scammers.

In the video, the potential victim said she received a call from someone pretending to be a Hydro employee who threatened to cut off power unless she paid her “overdue bills.” She was given a fake 1-800 number to call so she could make the payments she said she was owed.

Luckily, she knew her account was in good standing and didn't fall for the scheme.

Peter Chura of Hyrdo told 680 CJOB that while these types of calls can be disturbing and frightening, he hopes Manitobans won't fall for them.

Receive national news daily

Get the day's top news, political, economic and current headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

“They're trying to play on your fears, so they're demanding immediate payment, they're letting you know they're going to cut off your power right away – none of these things are true,” he said. .

“When you get a call, that's your first clue: Are they threatening to turn off your power? We're not going to do that. We're not going to make a one-time, last-minute call to do that.

“That's your first indication that something is wrong.”

Chura said when in doubt, call a number you know is a legitimate Manitoba Hydro line or check your account online to confirm the caller's claims of unpaid bills.

4:13
Detection and investigation of fraud in Manitoba

&copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.