Mounties are warning about a new phishing scam targeting B.C. Hydro customers.
RCMP say customers are tricked into calling a fraudulent B.C. Hydro customer support number where they are asked for personal information.
Authorities have received more than 100 reports of fake advertisements that ask a customer call a support number to set up new electricity services or reconnect B.C. Hydro service, according to an RCMP news release Tuesday.
The ads use B.C. Hydro’s name, but the URL is not correct.
RCMP say when B.C. Hydro customers call the fake number, the scammers ask the caller a set of scripted questions similar to those B.C. Hydro uses at its contact centre to verify customer identity.
Investigators say they are working with B.C. Hydro to have these phishing websites removed from search engines but are asking people to check when on the internet to ensure they are on the legitimate website.
B.C. Hydro does not collect credit card or bank account information over the phone, by email or by text.
If an account is in arrears, B.C. Hydro will send several notices by mail and use an auto dialler to remind customers to make a payment. Customers can also check their account status at any time at bchydro.com.
Anyone who comes across a fake website should report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre.
