Manitoba Hydro text message scam alert

Manitoba Hydro is warning the public about an increasingly common text message scam.

According to the Crown corporation, the scheme involves fake text messages threatening to disconnect a person's power if they don't pay the remaining balance.

Bruce Owen, Manitoba Hydro's media relations officer, said this weekend they received numerous reports of this scam.

“If you receive one of these items, we recommend that you dispose of it,” he said in an interview on Saturday.

“Whatever you do, don't click on any links because those links give you access to your personal financial information.”

Owen explained that if Manitobans fall behind on their Hydro bills, they will be notified directly from Manitoba Hydro, either by phone call or bill.

He said that the Crown Corporation does not threaten to suddenly turn off your power.

“It's not going to happen,” he said. “There's a phased process here.”

As for what Manitobans should look for to determine if something is a scam, Owen said to look for misspellings and suspicious references.

“Sometimes they steal our logo or spoof our phone number, but if there's a link associated with it, it's not going to get you to Manitoba Hydro,” he said.

“You can look at that link and recognize that it's not a Manitoba Hydro link.”

Owen noted that most people know the texts are fake, and there are no real numbers on how many people have fallen victim to the scheme.

“That's how these scammers work,” he said. “They can send thousands of these texts, but if two people respond, they're scammers, it's their day to pay.”

Those who want to check if they are in good standing with Manitoba Hydro can check through their online account.