Manitoba Hydro says some of its customers will start to receive automated calls or texts about billing.
Advisory Amidst Canada Post Labour Disruption
The Crown Corporation issued the advisory amidst the ongoing Canada Post labour disruption, explaining it will delay the mailing of paper bills and provide opportunities for scammers to mislead customers.
Automated Billing Notifications
According to Hydro, those who don't have an online account and normally receive a paper bill in the mail can expect an automated phone call or text message informing them that a new bill has been issued and how they can check their balance.
Security Measures and Scam Prevention
With that, there are a few things to keep in mind if you get such a call or message:
- For security reasons, Manitoba Hydro will not share account balances in automated messages to customers who do not have an online account.
- Manitoba Hydro will not threaten to immediately disconnect power or demand payment over the phone.
- Manitoba Hydro does not accept credit card payments, Interac e-transfers, cryptocurrency, or phone payment. Never give out personal banking or credit card information.
Warning Against Scammers
"Scammers will try just about anything to trick people into giving them money or personal information, and that includes posing as Manitoba Hydro employees in calls, texts, emails, even in person. They may claim that power is about to be disconnected to make it appear urgent that payments be made immediately," outlined a news release.
Contacting Manitoba Hydro Safety
Hydro says customers can avoid scammers by talking only to its customer service center by calling 1-888-MB HYDRO (1-888-624-9376) or set up an online account by visiting hydro.mb.ca/signup with their 14-digit Manitoba Hydro account number and postal code.
Payment Options
Customers can pay Manitoba Hydro bills at their financial institution, either online or in person.
In northern Manitoba, Northern Stores will continue to collect payments as normal.
~With files from Manitoba Hydro