Aggressive scammers continue to target Manitoba Hydro customers throughout the province, threatening to shut off their power unless immediate payment is made.

 Scammers contact customers by phone or email claiming they have an outstanding bill. They then demand payments of up to $1,500. The scammers say failure to pay within 30 minutes will result in their electrical service being disconnected.

Chris McColm, Manitoba Hydro’s Security and Investigations Supervisor says Manitoba Hydro has suspended all service disconnections indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic adding they  will never phone you and demand immediate payment by a prepaid card or a money order.

McColm also said scammers falsify their caller ID information to make it appear they’re calling from Manitoba Hydro. Customers should call Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376 if they get a call or email and are unsure if it’s authentic. Customers can also send a message to the utility’s Facebook or Twitter pages @manitobahydro.