Manitoba Hydro customers who get bills by mail to receive calls, texts

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This article was published 26/11/2024 (495 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Hydro customers who do not have an online account and normally receive a mailed bill will be getting an automated phone call or text because of the ongoing postal strike.

The message will tell customers a new bill has been issued and provide information on how to check their balance, a Tuesday news release said.

The messages will not state account balances, threaten to immediately disconnect power or demand payment over the phone. The Crown corporation does not accept credit card payments, e-transfers, cryptocurrency or phone payment.

“With the labour disruption at Canada Post delaying delivery of bills, there are more opportunities for fraudsters to mislead customers about what they owe, and when and how they should pay,” the release said. “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.”

Scammers might claim power is about to be disconnected to make it appear urgent that payments be made immediately.

Customers can call Manitoba Hydro’s customer service line at 1-888-624-9376 (1-888-MBHYDRO) or set up an online account. They can also pay hydro bills at financial institutions, either online or in person. In northern Manitoba, Northern Stores are continuing to collect payments.