VANCOUVER – Coquitlam RCMP are issuing a warning to businesses and residents that a BC Hydro scam appears to be making the rounds.
On Jan. 13, a local business received two phone calls froma 1-800 number claiming to be calling from BC Hydro. The caller told the employee they had an hour to purchase three $500 and one $498.84 money orders from a grocery store to pay for their overdue power bill, which was close to $2,000. Otherwise their power would be shut off.
Fortunately, the shopkeeper didn’t fall for the scam, and reported the call to the police so we can prevent others from being victimized,
said Cpl. Jamie Chung. This is why it is so important to report crime or suspicious activity. Your information is vital to our Crime Reduction Strategy.
Mounties are asking both area businesses and residents to remain vigilant. BC Hydro does not demand payment to be paid specifically by money orders for overdue accounts. If anyone receives a call from someone claiming to represent BC Hydro and demanding immediate payment, you are asked to hang up and call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO or 1-800-224-9376 to verify the legitimacy of the phone call.
If you have been victimized by this scam or received any calls from scammers representing BC Hydro, contact the Coquitlam RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report it.
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