Beware of door-to-door scammers, Hydro says

Manitoba Hydro is warning customers to be wary of door-to-door solicitors after a series of complaints from across the provinceabout scammers.

The utility has received around a dozencomplaints from Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin and Minnedosa, with the majority of reports coming out of the capital, said Scott Powell, public affairs manager for Manitoba Hydro.

• Manitoba Hydro warns of 'suspicious solicitors' visiting homes to check furnaces
• Watch out for over-the-phone scammers, says Manitoba Hydro

In each incident, individuals told homeowners they were affiliated with Manitoba Hydro and asked to come inside to inspect the furnace or test water conditions, before offering to rent or sell the homeowner a new furnace or water filtration system.

"Manitoba Hydro is not involved in any of these programsand advises homeowners to deny entry," Hydro said in a newsrelease Tuesday.

Identify scammers

Hydro employees always carry an official ID card with their name and photo. If someone claiming to be with Manitoba Hydroasks to enter your home, ask them for their identification, Hydro says. If you still have doubts, youcan also call Hydro at 1-888-624-9376before allowing the individual inside.

If you think you've been victimized in a scam,Manitoba Hydro says call police immediately.

Consumers can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-782-0067 or visit the website.

You can find more information on how to identify legitimate Manitoba Hydro employees here.