DELTA — Delta Police are warning people to beware of scam artists posing as BC Hydro representatives.
Sgt. Sarah Swallow said several small businesses had been targeted in February.
"In one case, the suspects were able to obtain several thousand dollars before the victim realized they had been scammed," she said.
Here's how it works: The scammers contact the victim, identifying themselves as BC Hydro customer service representatives, saying the victim owes the corporation thousands of dollars in outstanding payments.
"The victims were told that the power to their business would be cut off within the hour if they did not pay immediately," Swallow said. "The suspect then directed the victims to purchases a PayPower prepaid credit card in the amount of the outstanding debt. The victims then give the card numbers to the suspects "for redemption."
Swallow said the victims told police the scammers had their BC Hydro account numbers, payment history and other details that made their ruse seem legit.
Police and BC Hydro are investigating this fraud and BC Hydro advises people doubting the authenticity of the call should hang up and call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO (224-9376).
She said anyone receiving these types of call should contact the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which can be reached at 1-888-495-8501.
tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.